IFF's September Newsletter
The fight for net neutrality is still on!
It is highly likely that in the past weeks, a significant number of cat memes must have landed on your timeline. Right? That was just us trying to #SaveTheInternet (again!).
On July 7, 2023, The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released a consultation paper on regulation and selective banning of OTT services, with telcos proposing a revenue-sharing model and recommending selective banning and licensing of OTT communication services.
The SaveTheInternet campaign sent a joint letter from Indian startups, opposing this discriminatory framework, arguing it may harm the startup ecosystem. IFF, through #SaveTheInternet campaign, highlighted concerns about TRAI’s consultation paper and the recommendations made by several telcos; we also streamlined the process of submitting counter-comments. On September 29, we sent in detailed counter-comments to TRAI, reiterating our opposition.
But we will not stop at this. IFF will continue to fight to #SaveTheInternet! THANK YOU for your consistent support.
IFF has new merch?
Yes, yes yes 🎉🎉🎉
The Internet Freedom Foundation has launched new merch, FINALLY! With Frankly Wearing’s logistical support, and the creativity of the amazing designers (MeanCurry, The Alipore Post, Smish Designs, journalxowl, Spaceman Stripes), IFF now has its new merch!! From sleek t-shirts to cozy hoodies, we've curated a selection of vibrant collections that merges art and digital rights, featuring adorable prints.
Check out franklywearing.com, and grab yours today! All proceeds go towards helping IFF scale its work and fight for our right to privacy.
Here to shed some light on “Dark Patterns”
Swiggy overcharging? Guilt-tripped into getting your trip insured? Stuck with unwanted subscriptions? Blame it on Dark Patterns—deceptive tricks in online interfaces.The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Distribution together with the Advertising Standards Council of India has prepared draft Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, and is inviting public comments on them until October 5, 2023. And we want your input.
Spot shady ads or UI designs? We have collated a few buckets of these omnipresent dark patterns with examples. Recognise suspicious advertisements or UI designs that you think can amount to a dark pattern around you and help us in our submissions.
Fill our community survey on dark patterns. Let's navigate this maze together!
Members & donors-
gather all!
It is time for IFF’s quarterly members’ call! It has been quite an eventful time! With net neutrality under fire and courtroom firefighting, IFF has been at the forefront. Join us at the Quarterly Members’ Call on October 12 at 07 PM as we discuss what we’ve been up to this quarter & answer your questions.
Published an explainer on TRAI’s consultation paper on regulating, licensing and selective banning of the OTT communication services, while also highlighting IFF’s major concerns with the consultation paper and recommendations made by several telcos.
Received an order from the Supreme Court of India, constituting a constitutional bench of at least 5 judges to hear the challenges to the Sedition Law (S. 124A).
Assisted & represented Mr Saurav Das, an RTI activist and independent journalist, in final hearing in his writ petition in the Delhi High Court on the development of the Aaroya Setu (covid-tracing) app. The government claimed that it had no file notings or other further information on Aarogya Setu. The Delhi High Court ordered them to submit this on affidavit.
Represented Association of Indian Magazines in the Bombay High Court challenging the constitutionality of IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023. Final hearings have concluded as Rejoinder submissions have been completed, and judgment reserved by Bombay HC, to be tentatively pronounced on December 1, 2023.
Sent our counter comments to TRAI on its consultation paper which dealt with the idea of regulating, licensing, and selectively banning online communication services, reiterating our opposition & countered the arguments raised by telcos.
Karnataka Government dismissed our RTI, seeking information about the establishment of a fact-checking unit by the Bengaluru Police, on account of being ‘vague, speculative and questionable’. Almost immediately after that, the Chief Minister of Karnataka has reportedly approved the setting up of a state-level FCU.
Received an order from the Supreme Court of India asking the Union Government to respond to an application by the Foundation of Media Professionals seeking compliance with the Anuradha Bhasin internet shutdown guidelines.
Believe the work we do has impact? We need your help to keep doing it!
In September 2023, IFF raised INR 2,58,175.92 and our expenses for the month were INR 7,38,602.14 Our memberships start at INR 100/month and donations of all shapes and sizes keep our work going!
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