MPs to Release A Report On the Internet Law

New Delhi, India : SFLC.in, a Delhi based legal services organisation, is releasing a report titled "Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011 - An Analysis" on Thursday, July 24, 2014 the India International Centre, New Delhi.

The report will be jointly released by Shri. P. Rajeeve(MP), Shri. Rajeev Chandrasekhar(MP), Shri. Baijayant Panda(MP), Shri. Jagdimbka Pal (MP), Shri. Jayant Choudhary and Dr.Arvind Gupta.

The Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011 were notified by the Central Government on in April, 2011. Many consider that the rules, which seek to control the intermediaries, in fact, end up controlling the actions of users and thus pose a threat to freedom of speech and expression.

This report is an outcome of a one year long comprehensive research regarding the constitutionality of these Rules and the way it affects the users and intermediaries. SFLC.IN had conducted round-table consultations at New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Cochin to get feedback from users and the industry.

"These Rules raise serious concerns about the freedom of users to express themselves and those of the businesses that facilitate such expression and other conduct online. Indian laws must be progressive and forward looking if we have to have a meaningful place in this hyper-connected world."said Ms Mishi Choudhary, Executive Director, SFLC.in

"We are hopeful that the current Government will review the rules to remove overly broad restrictions on freedom of speech and expression as Mr. Arun Jaitely, Minister of Finance, Minister of Corporate Affairs and Minister of Defence had advocated when he was the leader of opposition" she added

The report will be released at 6 PM on 24th July, 2014 at the India International Center. For more information about the event, the IT Rules and other details, please visit http://sflc.in/

The report release will be followed by a panel discussion with the above dignitaries.

Contact : Mamta Verma, mamta@softwarefreedom.in, +91-11-43587126

About SFLC.in :

SFLC.IN is a donor supported legal services organisation that brings together lawyers, policy analysts, technologists, and students to protect freedom in the digital world. SFLC.IN promotes innovation and open access to knowledge by helping developers make great Free and Open Source Software, protect privacy and civil liberties for citizens in the digital world by educating and providing free legal advice and help policy makers make informed and just decisions with the use and adoption of technology.