DIGITAL BLACKOUT: INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS v COLLECTIVE SECURITY
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Abstract
Over the last couple of years, several governments have extensively used network interruptions and shutdowns as a pervasive means of information control. State governments in India are issuing network shutdown orders so frequently that the country has become an international hotspot for the digital blackout. But such network disruptions and blackouts encroach into the fundamental rights of human beings. The present research work investigates the overall understanding of network shutdowns or digital blackouts across India and looks over the national and international laws and policy frameworks sponsoring blackouts. This research work also considers the spread of digital blackout cases in India in the period 2015 – 2018 and explores the intentions behind such disruptions. Furthermore, the issue research work critically analyses the impact of digital blackouts on the freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly; the right to equality and digital division; the right to life; economic rights; the right to education and the right to religious belief. Finally, the research work submits propositions for the multi-stakeholder community to uphold a plausible equilibrium between larger facets of fundamental rights and safeguards for national safety and security.
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