With the range of overarching power that the state possesses, we need many checks and balances to ensure the unimpeded continuance of civil liberties (“Making the Internet disappear”, October 18). As ever, the ‘law and order’ excuse, which is the general recourse of the government, must be subject to proper standards of accountability. With the government using laws such as the Telegraph Act of 1885 in defence of its actions, the archaic nature of our laws governing technology is quite evident. There has to be a comprehensive change in policy in view of the importance of the Internet today.
Muhilan Thirunavukarasan,
Courtallam, Tamil Nadu
States must be given a free hand in taking decisions necessary to maintain law, order and internal security. Stopping Internet access for a brief period is one of the logical steps to quell the spreading of rumours and unlawful mobilisation of people, thereby preventing clashes and destruction of government property as seen in Gujarat and Kashmir. It is the government which faces criticism later for not taking adequate steps to prevent such incidents. Timely and preventive precautionary measures are needed as there is no way one can differentiate between potential miscreants and legitimate users of the Internet
Nishant Choudhary,
Ajmer, Rajasthan
The unusually high number of government mandated Internet shutdowns points to a deeper malaise in our system. Shortcuts such as Net shutdowns do not solve law and order problems. With the advent of the Internet being widely perceived as the fourth industrial revolution, Internet penetration in India is poised to grow by leaps and bounds.
Soon, the Internet will be an essential commodity as it gains momentum and digital transformation brings about phenomenal benefits. Thus, a shutdown, even for short periods, will spell disaster for businesses, services as well as communications. With existing laws proving to be inadequate, those governing the Internet must be revamped, in tune with the 21st century requirements. The decision to have a shutdown should rest with a responsible higher authority, possibly a group of ministers, which in turn is accountable to Parliament.
Kosaraju Chandramouli,
Hyderabad
