← All briefs
GS II · Polity and GovernanceTuesday, 7 April 2026· Polity and Governance / Digital Rights

Understanding India’s internet censorship regime

Why it matters for UPSC

India's internet blocking framework involves multiple legal instruments (IT Act Section 69A, CrPC, court orders) and raises fundamental rights questions under Articles 19 and 21. The non-uniform implementation by ISPs highlights regulatory gaps relevant to GS II governance and GS III digital economy. The Supreme Court's Shreya Singhal judgment and recent developments around internet shutdowns make this a recurring exam theme.

Key facts

  • ISPs in India block websites based on orders from the government under IT Act Section 69A and court orders.
  • Implementation is non-uniform across Internet Service Providers (ISPs), leading to inconsistent blocklists.
  • The Blocking Rules (IT (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009) govern executive blocking.
  • Supreme Court in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015) struck down Section 66A of the IT Act and read down Section 79, reinforcing free speech online.
  • India has one of the highest rates of internet shutdowns globally, often ordered under Section 144 CrPC or telecom suspension rules.
  • Lack of public transparency in blocklists means users often cannot know why a website is blocked.

ISPs in India block websites in response to government and court orders. However, implementation is not uniform across ISPs, and blocklists vary widely.

Concepts to know

Section 69A – Information Technology Act, 2000act

Empowers the Central Government to issue directions to block public access to online content in the interest of national security, sovereignty, public order, etc. Blocking orders under this section are subject to procedural safeguards under the 2009 Rules but are not required to be made public.

Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015)event

Landmark Supreme Court judgment that struck down Section 66A of the IT Act as unconstitutional for being an unreasonable restriction on free speech under Article 19(1)(a), while upholding Section 69A with safeguards.

Article 19(1)(a)article

Guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of speech and expression. It is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) on specified grounds like sovereignty, security, public order, and morality.

Internet Shutdownterm

Temporary suspension of internet or telecom services by government order, typically under Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017; India leads globally in such shutdowns.

Intermediary Liability (Section 79, IT Act)act

Provides safe harbour to online intermediaries (ISPs, platforms) from liability for third-party content, subject to compliance with due diligence requirements and government takedown orders; read down in Shreya Singhal.

IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021act

Rules that define obligations of social media intermediaries and digital platforms, including compliance with government takedown orders within stipulated timelines.

Linked previous-year questions

The UPSC questions this story connects to.

  1. Which of the following is/are the aim/aims of "Digital India" Plan of the Government of India? 1. Formation of India's own Internet companies like China did. 2. Establish a policy framework to encourage overseas multinational corporations that collect Big Data to build their large data centres within our national geographical boundaries. 3. Connect many of our villages to the Internet and bring Wi-Fi to many of our schools, public places and major tourist centres. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • a.1 and 2 only
    • b.3 only ✓
    • c.2 and 3 only
    • d.1, 2 and 3
    Current Affairs · UPSC 2018

  2. In India, Judicial Review implies: (a) the power of the Judiciary to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders. (b) the power of the Judiciary to question the wisdom of the laws enacted by the Legislatures. (c) the power of the Judiciary to review all the legislative enactments before they are assented to by the President. (d) the power of the Judiciary to review its own judgements given earlier in similar or different cases.

    • a.the power of the Judiciary to pronounce upon the constitutionality of laws and executive orders. ✓
    • b.the power of the Judiciary to question the wisdom of the laws enacted by the Legislatures.
    • c.the power of the Judiciary to review all the legislative enactments before they are assented to by the President.
    • d.the power of the Judiciary to review its own judgements given earlier in similar or different cases.
    Polity · UPSC 2017

  3. The Chinese traveller Yuan Chwang (Hiuen Tsang) who visited India recorded the general conditions and culture of India at that time. In this context, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The roads and river routes were completely immune from robbery. 2. As regards punishment for offenses, ordeals by fire, water and poison were the instruments for determining the innocence or guilt of a person. 3. The tradesmen had to pay duties at ferries and barrier stations. Select the correct answer using the codes given below. (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • a.1 only
    • b.2 and 3 only ✓
    • c.1 and 3 only
    • d.1, 2 and 3
    History · UPSC 2013

  4. Consider the following statements concerning the Indian Railways. 1. The Head Quarters of the North Western Railway are located at Jodhpur. 2. "Indrail Pass" –a travel as you please ticket has been created especially for freedom fighters and sportspersons who have represented India in any games/sport. 3. Fairy Queen is a train using the world's oldest working engine and the Indian Railways conducts a journey of wildlife and heritage sites on it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 2 (d) None

    • a.2 only
    • b.3 only ✓
    • c.1 and 2
    • d.None
    Geography · UPSC 2006

  5. With reference to consumers' rights/ privileges under the provisions of law in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Consumers are empowered to take samples for food testing. 2. When a consumer files a complaint in any consumer forum, no fee is required to be paid. 3. In case of death of a consumer, his/her legal heir can file a complaint in the consumer forum on his/her behalf. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

    • a.1 only
    • b.2 and 3 only
    • c.1 and 3 only ✓
    • d.1, 2 and 3
    Polity · UPSC 2012

  6. Consider the following statements: Statement-I: In India, prisons are managed by State Governments with their own rules and regulations for the day-to-day administration of prisons. Statement-II: In India, prisons are governed by the Prisons Act, 1894 which expressly kept the subject of prisons in the control of Provincial Governments. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I. (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I. (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect. (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.

    • a.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I. ✓
    • b.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
    • c.Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
    • d.Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.
    Polity · UPSC 2023

Get the full brief — free

Every story syllabus-mapped, the exact NCERT page to revise, a daily MCQ quiz and more — start free, no card needed.

Start free →