This is really a sad day for India. A step back for the worlds largest democracy.
I have been following the story of whether or not India would censor Orkut, and it appears that India has taken a baby step away from freedom of expression.
Abdul Qabiz confirms this on his weblog:
I am not able to access orkut.com, it seems it has been banned in Maharastra (the state I stay) or entire India? [...]
I can understand the government's concern about different hate-communities on orkut but I am wondering, why can't Indian government give a list (URLs) of such communities to ISPs so that selective ban can be done instead of entire orkut.com.
Since I am not a legal expert (especially regarding Indian affairs) I would have no clue how the nation of a billion people could go about and resolve this via courts.
However, just because the door to Orkut is locked, it does not mean that there is not a key.
Users may be able to access Orkut via proxy sites, such as Math Tunnel (hat tip: Orkut Guide) until this problem is resolved. There are other resources being developed by users as I type, and if anyone knows (or is creating) access points elsewhere, post a few of them here (and spread the word to your friends inside Orkut via email).
Note: It's days like these that I wish an Indian ACLU existed.
Update: Users in Maharastra seem to be able to still access Orkut. It looks like the ban was in discussion, but not actually used (Thanks Rahul D, DK/SarDaar, Ajay D'Souza, and Vivek for the heads up on this).
6 opinions:
i'm in Delhi, India and i can access orkut just fine. Don't know about any such ban.
Me staying in Mumbai, Maharashtra and I am able to access it.
I too am from Mumbai and can access it fine. So can other friends on mine on different internet connections.
Yah, orkut is accessible, the government is still pondering over the issue, no decision has been taken so far, and don't think one will be taken anytime in the near future. Maybe this user you refer to has some network problems, or his ISP has unilaterally decided to block orkut.
Hey guys, thanks for the info!
Although the "pondering" of the issue has me worried, at least they have not decided to limit freedom of expression.
I'll update this on the weblog post.
India really should have an ACLU. I think while as a country we are very touchy and protective of our sovereignty and independence, we are not too concerned about individual rights. The first amendment to the Indian constitution is the exact opposite of the first amendment to the US constitution. It gives government the right to pass laws curbing fundamental rights if they are in interest of "public order", "decency" and "morality". And there never was or is any widespread outcry about it.
I think we'll just have to learn the value of inviolable individual freedom the hard way,
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