Government launches crackdown on 32 websites carrying anti- India views, spreading ISIS propaganda

New Delhi: The Centre has blocked at least 32 websites in a fresh
crackdown as they were carrying jihadi propaganda and promoting anti-India views.

According to reports, the websites have been blocked on the
advise of Anti-Terrorism Squad. Some of the websites were
reportedly using social media as its weapon to lure Indian
youths to join jihadi activities.

“The action has been initiated to unblock the following sites --
weebly.com, vimeo.com, dailymotion.com and gist.github.com," said a statement from the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.

In a statement, the Department of Telecom said that 32 URLs
have been blocked under Section 69 of the Information
Technology Act, 2000, and under Information Technology
(Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of
Information by Public) Rules, 2009.

The rules give the central government powers to block access
to information if it is in the interest of the sovereignty and
integrity of the country, defence of India, security of the state,
friendly relations with foreign states or public order or for
preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable
offence.

Showcause notices have also been issued to these websites.
So far, only five or six websites have replied to these notices.

(With Agency inputs)