New Delhi, April 10, 2023 (PPI-OT):More than 300 organisations from 105 countries have written an open letter to Indian minister of communications and electronics and information technology Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging him to review the legal and regulatory framework on internet shutdowns in India. The organisations make up the #KeepItOn coalition that has been active since 2016. They have joined several other human rights bodies including the India Civil Watch International and Internet Freedom Foundation in India, and the journalism watchdog Reporters Without Borders or RSF.

The letter observes that each time access to the internet is hampered, people’s ability to communicate with loved ones, earn a livelihood, exchange information, or obtain education, healthcare, and other vital public services are also severely affected.

The letter referred to Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition’s new report, and said, “India imposed 84 internet shutdowns in 2022 – the highest number globally for the fifth year in a row.” India, it added, has been responsible for approximately 58% of the total number of shutdowns documented since 2016. “Each time access to the internet is hampered, so is people’s ability to communicate with loved ones, earn a livelihood, exchange information, and obtain education, healthcare, and other vital public services.”

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