Back door censor: SAHYOG must adhere to the safeguards and procedures in Section 69A of IT Act, Pg 8

Govt’s SAHYOG portal aims at real-time content takedown, involving multiple law enforcement agencies.

Platform faces criticism for enabling unchecked censorship bypassing legal safeguards.

IT Act Section 69A mandates independent review, reasons, and specific grounds (national security, etc.) for content blocking.

SAHYOG allegedly enables content removal via Section 79(3)(b), sidestepping due process.

Platforms like ‘X’ have resisted onboarding, citing risk of misuse and violation of Supreme Court precedents (e.g., Shreya Singhal v. Union of India).

Implementation may allow police and state agencies unilateral blocking powers, risking free speech and internet freedom.

Govt must ensure transparency, judicial oversight, and adherence to due process.

Any content blocking must pass legal scrutiny and be based on rule of law.

Mains Mock Question:

"Examine the constitutional safeguards against arbitrary internet censorship in India. Should platforms like SAHYOG be subject to judicial scrutiny?"