IFF’s April 2024 Newsletter!

May 06, 2024

#WhatTheBlock

& why the block

Challenging the illegal, arbitrary, and disproportionate blocking of Hindutva Watch and India Hate Lab.

Online censorship and restraint on freedom of expression constitute both forward-looking and backward-looking blocking of content. Forward-looking exercise of blocking results in a permanent prohibition of speech, expression, and ideas. This poses a serious threat to transparency and accountability in India’s online censorship regime. IFF is providing legal assistance in this matter.

Historically, MeitY has kept blocking orders confidential, leaving creators uninformed about censorship impacting their rights. We advocated for transparency and accountability, representing Raqib H. Naik, founder of Hindutva Watch and India Hate Lab, which track and monitor hate speeches, hate crimes, and violence committed against marginalised communities. They challenged the illegal, arbitrary, and disproportionate blocking of their entire websites/accounts by MeitY before the Delhi HC.

These proceedings hold significant importance in the battle to promote transparency in the censorship process and establish government accountability in India. The next hearing date is July 26, 2024, and we will keep you updated!

Keeping our elections #FreeAndFair!

What are YOU voting for? A critical analysis of political party manifestos

Read in full

As 96 crore voters head to the polls to elect the 18th Lok Sabha, it’s clear that the stakes for (the mother of) democracy are higher than ever, especially considering how political parties have historically, often illicitly, accessed personal data of citizens to create targeted demographic profiles for campaigning (read more here!). IFF launched #FreeAndFair - our election watch keeping a close eye on the technological developments during this important election season and their implications on electoral outcomes.

And as the election season continues to wreak havoc for our digital rights, presenting ✨ Digital Rights Are Going Great ✨ - a #FreeAndFair initiative documenting all absurd developments & arbitrary abuses of power, throughout this election season.

We’re always in your corner, from censorship to surveillance.

Join the fight for digital rights and donate to IFF!

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We were in court! The Supreme Court transferred all petitions challenging the constitutionality of the IT Rules, 2021 to the Delhi High Court.

Unraveled the decision-making behind Meta/Instagram’s rollout of a feature limiting recommendation of political content on Instagram & Threads.

Explained the potential impact of a vulnerability in the union government’s S3WaaS platform which could’ve exposed the sensitive personal data of 2,50,000 Indians.

Talked about the suspicions surrounding DigiYatra’s tech operator’s criminal records and vast allegations of data privacy violations amidst a suspiciously timed revamp of DigiYatra’s systems.

Broke down why our Quarterly Member’s Calls are so important and what goes on in them! (ICYMI: Check out the April QMC recording here)

Analysed the marathon 7-day hearing before the third judge in the petitions in the Bombay High Court challenging the constitutionality of the Fact-Check Unit constituted under the IT Rules, 2021.

Touch typists beware - a quick look at our keyboards.

Wrote to ECI on their request to Twitter/X to take action against 4 “objectionable” posts.

Reported the breach of Indian wearable electronics brand boAt which resulted in the data of 7.5M users being exposed on dark web forums (read more on PlugTheBreach).

Noted an internal advisory to ministry secretaries on how CCTV-related data breaches, hacking, or cyber-attacks can be prevented by MeitY.

Collated new developments surrounding DigiYatra as pertinent questions about ownership, transparency, and data flow emerged.

Believe the work we do has impact? We need your help to keep doing it!

In April 2024, IFF received Rs. 2,86,283.88 as one-time and recurring donations and Rs. 7,23,401.49 was received from UNESCO as an organisational donation.

Our expenses for this month were Rs. 10,89,467.71.

In 2023, we faced a massive gap of around Rs. 23 Lakhs between our income and expenditure, we are grateful for the support we’ve received this month, but we still have a long way to go.

Make your tax-deductible donation today!