Why is India blocking internet access for 27 million people?
Indian authorities have blocked internet access for about 27 million people in the state of Punjab for a third straight day – one of the country’s most extensive blackouts in recent years – as police search for a Sikh separatist on the run.
On Wednesday, January 27, 2021, the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, conducted a manhunt for a man named Vikas Dubey who was accused of killing eight police officers. During the manhunt, authorities shut down mobile internet services in the region.
Impact on the Population
The shutdown affected around 27 million people who were unable to connect to the internet through their mobile devices. This made it challenging for people to communicate, access information, and conduct businesses that relied on mobile internet services.
Government Action
The government claimed that the shutdown had been put in place to prevent the spread of misinformation that could have fueled violence during the manhunt. While the government believed that this was the correct course of action, it has been criticized for not considering the impact a complete mobile internet shutdown would have on millions of people.
The Need for a Balance
This incident highlights the need for governments to find a balance between maintaining public safety and the fundamental right to access the internet. Mobile internet has become a crucial tool in our daily lives, and its disruption can cause significant disruption.
Governments should take measures to prevent the spread of misinformation without resorting to complete shutdowns. There are various alternatives that they can use, including using social media platforms to disseminate accurate information or engaging in public outreach programs to disseminate accurate information.
Conclusion
The incident in India underscores the vulnerability of our reliance on mobile internet services and the need for governments to strike a balance between public safety and the need for access to information.
There’s no denying that preventing the spread of misinformation is critical, particularly during a manhunt. However, it’s essential to consider the impact of not having access to mobile internet services on millions of people. The government should prioritize finding alternative measures that do not completely shut down mobile internet services.
References
- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-55833013
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/1/28/india-officials-order-halt-of-internet-services-during-up-manhunt
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