introduction
In India, a number of laws and rules pertaining to public decency, social harmony, and national security regulate what content is allowed on the internet. Even though there is a wealth of information and entertainment available on the internet, some content is considered illegal or prohibited because it may violate intellectual property rights, encourage hate speech, instigate violence, or exploit kids. It is necessary to be aware of these regulatory frameworks and their ramifications in order to comprehend what content is prohibited on the internet in India.
Content that encourages religious intolerance or community strife is one major area of concern. India has strict rules that forbid the sharing of certain information, including the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) of material that can provoke hatred or enmity between different religious or ethnic groups. Viewing or sharing such content online can lead to legal repercussions, including fines and imprisonment.
Furthermore, it is prohibited in India for information that infringes upon intellectual property rights to be downloaded or streamed, including copyrighted software, movies, music, and books. The Copyright Act of 1957 safeguards the intellectual property rights of creators and forbids the unapproved dissemination or duplication of copyrighted content without the owner’s consent. Piracy is punishable by law in both civil and criminal courts for users who engage in it or access pirated content online.
Content that illustrates or encourages child sexual abuse or exploitation is another area of concern. The creation, dissemination, or ownership of child pornography or other sexually explicit content featuring kids is prohibited by the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012, as well as the IT Act. It is extremely forbidden to access or share such content online and doing so can have serious legal repercussions, including jail time.
In addition, the Indian government possesses the power to impose restrictions on the usage of specific websites or online platforms that are thought to pose a threat to national security, public order, or sovereignty. This includes websites that propagate unlawful activity, encourage violence, or host propaganda from extremists or terrorists. Under Section 69A of the IT Act, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is able to order the blocking of access to these websites.
summary
When accessing online content, it is imperative that Indian internet users practice prudence and follow the law. It is imperative that all internet users maintain awareness of relevant laws, honor intellectual property rights, refrain from disseminating hate speech or objectionable materials, and shield minors from inappropriate content.
