The Internet holds enormous potential for development. It provides an unprecedented volume of resources for information and knowledge and opens up new opportunities for expression and participation. The principle of freedom of expression must apply not only to traditional media but also to the Internet and all types of emerging media platforms which will definitely contribute to development, democracy, and dialogue. After a month in the office, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated, “Our democracy will not sustain if we can’t guarantee freedom of speech and expression. During the case between Shreya Singhal v. The Union of India on 24^th March 2015, the Supreme Court observed that “When it comes to democracy, liberty of thought and expression is a cardinal value that is of paramount significance under our constitutional scheme.” Not only does India’s constitution protect the right to freedom of speech and expression but it also provides restrictions based on certain factors vital to the national interest, security, and integrity. However, the central and state governments do not always follow these laws and take severe actions to criminalize peaceful expressions. Click here for the detailed study and analysis.

Freedom of Assembly and Association (FoAA) is fundamental to democracy. The 2012 resolution of the United Nations emphasised the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association (FoAA) as a human right. Denying access to internet to withhold FoAA is a violation of human rights and international law. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that “everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. One of the general recommendations of the UN Special Rapporteur Maina Kiai on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association is that “to recognize that the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association can be exercised through new technologies, including the Internet.” He has noted that “The Internet, for example, is not just a means for people to assemble and associate in the real world – it is a place of assembly and association itself. He also recognised the role of social media and ICTs, stating that “the increased use of the Internet, in particular social media and other information and communication technology, as basic tools which enable individuals to organise peaceful assemblies. Click here for media reports

Due to the push by digital technology, substantial numbers of women have experienced gender based abuse online. These include blackmail, harassment, intimidation, stalking and dissemination of private content without consent. United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion of freedom of expression, David Kaye pointed out that gender based abuse and violence online are undeniably a scourge, and government and companies have to take action against it. According to him censorship and undue restrictions on content could end up undermining the rights of every woman.  United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women Dubravka Simonovic said that women victims and survivors need transparent and fast responses and effective remedies which can be achieved if both states and private actors work together and exercise due efforts to eliminate online violence against women. Article 21 of theIndian Constitution states that “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. Click here for media reports