Internet shutdowns have become a common occurrence in India, with the central government having the power to suspend telecom services for reasons related to national security, public order, and other allied reasons. However, a recent revelation by Union minister of state for communications Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani has shed light on the lack of assessment conducted by the government to gauge the economic and social impacts of these shutdowns.
In a written response to the Lok Sabha, Pemmasani stated that the government has not undertaken any assessment to measure the effects of internet shutdowns in India. This lack of evaluation raises concerns about the potential negative consequences of such actions on the country’s economy and society. Without a proper understanding of the impact of internet shutdowns, it becomes difficult to make informed decisions regarding the suspension of telecom services.
Furthermore, Pemmasani also mentioned that the department of telecommunications (DoT) is not engaging in consultations with civil society, activists, subject matter experts, and researchers on the framing of rules for internet suspension under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. This lack of consultation with stakeholders raises questions about the transparency and accountability of the government’s decision-making process regarding internet shutdowns.
The implementation of section 20 of the Telecom Act, 2023, which grants the government the power to suspend telecom services for national security and public order reasons, has raised concerns among public and private operators. However, the government has not received any „stiff reservation“ from these operators regarding the provisions under which the government can seize control of telecom services.
Despite the lack of assessment and consultation, the government has been actively issuing internet shutdown orders under the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety Rules), 2017. The lack of district-wise and month-wise details of these orders raises questions about the transparency and accountability of the government’s actions in this regard.
According to the Netloss calculator run by Internet Society, internet shutdowns in India have led to a GDP loss of more than $14 billion between January 1 and August 8 this year. This staggering figure highlights the significant economic impact of internet shutdowns and underscores the need for a thorough assessment of the consequences of such actions.
In conclusion, the lack of assessment and consultation by the central government regarding internet shutdowns in India raises concerns about the potential negative impacts on the country’s economy and society. It is essential for the government to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of internet shutdowns and engage in meaningful consultations with stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability in its decision-making process.