(a) whether the Government maintains data pertaining to internet shutdowns;
(b) if so, the details of internet shutdowns along with its duration and reasons therefor from May 2018 to December 2021, State and year-wise;
(c) whether the Government has calculated the impact of internet shutdowns on revenue, freedom of speech, dissemination of information, and online socialization thereof; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
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ANSWER
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MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI AJAY KUMAR MISHRA)
(a) to (b): Police and public order are State subjects as per seventh schedule of the Constitution. Department of Telecommunications notified “Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017 on 07.08.2017 under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 under which, the directions to suspend the telecom services, including internet in an area, can either be issued by the Union Home Secretary or Home Secretary of State Government concerned as the case may be, due to public emergency or public safety. Centralized database in this regard is not maintained by the Ministry of Home affairs. However, copies of the permissions granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs for Temporary Shutdowns of telecom services are available on MHA website i.e. mha.gov.in. Internet Shutdowns are imposed for managing law & order situation for the specified period only and suspension is revoked as and when the situation comes under control.
(c)& (d):.No such details are available with Ministry of Home Affairs.
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