INTERNET SHUTDOWN: NOT  A WAY TO TACKLE MISINFORMATION OR RESTORE PUBLIC ORDER

AUTHOR-SAMRIDDHI MISHRA, STUDENT OF NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY, ODISHA

BEST CITATION – SAMRIDDHI MISHRA, INTERNET SHUTDOWN: NOT  A WAY TO TACKLE MISINFORMATION OR RESTORE PUBLIC ORDER, ILE LEX SPECULUM (ILE LS), 1 (1) OF 2023, PG. 441-447, APIS – 3920 – 0036 | ISBN – 978-81-964391-3-2.

ABSTRACT

Internet is one of the necessities in present-day life rather than a luxury. Technology has found its way into every aspect of our lives. The Internet is now used for business, entertainment, and communication. It has also now become a medium to access information and a medium of freedom of speech and expression. It is now one of the most important ways to gather information and express our opinion. As everything has its advantages and disadvantages so does the internet as it has made access to information easier it has also made access to misinformation easier. The flow of misinformation is easier than it was ever before. Misinformation can be dangerous and has sparked violence too on occasion. However, the route taken by the administration is to impose an internet shutdown to tackle misinformation. The Internet is a necessity and is a recognized derivative fundamental right. The reckless approach towards imposing an internet shutdown is against the guidelines given by the supreme court. This article argues that long blanket bans are not a way to tackle misinformation or restore public order.

Keyword-Internet shutdown, access to information, freedom of speech, misinformation, internet ban, right to internet