India's Content Blocking Law, Section 69A, Under Scrutiny as Expansion Proposed
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India's Content-Blocking Law Section 69A Faces Scrutiny Amid Proposed Expansion
S
Storyboard•19-03-2026, 12:46
India's Content-Blocking Law Section 69A Faces Scrutiny Amid Proposed Expansion
•Section 69A of the IT Act allows the government to block online content for national security, public order, and sovereignty.
•Originally a narrow legal tool, its use has significantly broadened to include app bans (e.g., TikTok, PUBG Mobile) and social media account restrictions.
•The Supreme Court upheld Section 69A in Shreya Singhal vs Union of India, citing its narrow tailoring and procedural safeguards.
•Recent reports suggest expanding Section 69A's use to multiple ministries, raising concerns about weakening checks and balances.
•Critics argue that broadening its application to issues like fake news and deepfakes might stretch its original legal intent and dilute safeguards.
