Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Blocking the blogs

The move by the Department of Telecommunications to block websites and blogs apparently to prevent circulation of material that was against national security is undemocratic. That this was done without giving any prior information adds insult to injury. Blogs are not the only medium through which communal hatred can be instigated. In fact, they have the least impact as a majority of Indians do not even have access to the Internet. One wonders who will protect us from our `protectors.'

B. Bernadet Joy,
Chennai

* * *

The order blocking access to 17 websites and blogs abruptly curbed the freedom of expression of the common Internet user. The largest democracy was unreasonable in acting so harshly.

Parampratap Singh Khosa,
Chandigarh

* * *

The action of banning some blogs, which the Government thinks pose a threat to security, is not justified. The law is not defined clearly. A comprehensive set of rules should be evolved before such action is taken. Banning a few blogs after a major terrorist attack, in any case, makes no sense.

K. Balaji,
Chennai

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With India experiencing Internet censorship only now, the shout against it is very loud. Internet censorship began in October 2004 itself. The FBI forced 20 anti-war and anti-globalisation websites hosted by Indymedia to shut down. The media did not even publish the news, leave alone condemn it. The sites were totally blacked out in the U.S. and in this part of the globe. Had it been condemned then, the Indian Government would have perhaps thought twice before taking the decision now.

C.T. Suresh Kumar,
Chennai

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I thank The Hindu for publishing the DoT order dated July 13, 2006, giving directions to block the websites. The order is patently illegal for it has been issued without indicating any reasons and the source Rule or Act. It shows how thoughtlessly and highhandedly orders of such importance are issued. I wonder why such bland and unsustainable orders are meekly acted upon.

D. Krishna Rao,
Hyderabad

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The Government did the right thing. Freedom of expression is vital for a democracy, but national security is paramount.

Gaurav Sharma,
Gurgaon, Haryana

* * *

Similar action should be taken against websites that promote pornography. Severe action should also be taken against bloggers who find ways of bypassing the filters to remain connected to these sites.

V. Shivaji Kumar,
Paralakhemundi, Orissa

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