India’s Internet Censorship Regime

A recent study analysing six major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in India highlights a fragmented and inconsistent internet censorship system. Out of 43,083 blocked domains, only 1,414 domains were uniformly blocked across all ISPs, indicating significant variation in implementation. While ISPs act on government and court orders, the execution differs widely, leading to non-uniform blocklists and arbitrary restrictions.

Key Findings

• Only 1,414 out of 43,083 domains blocked across all ISPs
• Significant variation in censorship implementation among ISPs
• Higher consistency in blocking domains related to:
  • Terrorism
  • Militancy
• Evidence of arbitrary and inconsistent blocking practices by ISPs

Nature of Internet Censorship in India

• ISPs block websites based on government directives and court orders
• No uniform mechanism: different ISPs block different sets of websites
• Results in a haphazard censorship regime
• Raises concerns about:
  • Transparency
  • Accountability
  • Freedom of access to information

About Internet Protocols

An Internet Protocol (IP) is a set of rules that governs how data is transmitted over the internet, ensuring proper addressing, routing, and delivery of data packets.

How Internet Works

1. Addressing: Data packets assigned source and destination IP addresses
2. Routing: Packets travel through networks via routers
3. Reassembly: Data is reassembled at destination

Key Internet Protocols

DNS (Domain Name System)

• Converts website names into IP addresses
• First point of interaction for users

HTTP/HTTPS

• Protocol for web communication
• HTTPS ensures secure encrypted communication

TLS (Transport Layer Security)

• Provides data encryption and authentication

TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)

• Ensures reliable and ordered delivery of data

Methods of Website Blocking by ISPs

1. DNS Poisoning (Most Common)

• ISP returns false IP address or error message
• Cheap and widely used method in India

2. HTTP/URL Filtering

• ISP checks web address (URL)
• Blocks access if it matches restricted list

3. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)

• Advanced method
• Inspects actual data content
• Expensive and less commonly used

Legal Framework Governing Internet Censorship

IT Act, 2000

• Section 69A
  • Empowers Central Government to block websites
  • Grounds:
    • Sovereignty & integrity
    • Defence
    • Public order
• Section 79
  • Defines responsibilities of intermediaries (ISPs)

Licensing Conditions

• ISPs must comply with government-issued blocking orders
• Operate under strict confidentiality clauses

Significance

• Highlights challenges in digital governance and regulatory consistency
• Raises concerns over transparency, due process, and freedom of expression
• Shows reliance on cost-effective but less precise blocking methods (DNS)