India Investigates Telecoms Over Website Blocks Based on Forged Court Orders

News Desk

NEW DELHI: India has initiated an inquiry into the actions of telecom officials who blocked numerous websites based on forged court orders, with police seeking ministry records as part of a broader criminal investigation, officials confirmed on Thursday.

This year, a division of the telecom ministry instructed internet service providers to block 129 illegal betting websites. However, a recent report by Reuters revealed that these directives were founded on counterfeit orders allegedly issued in the names of two state high courts and sent to officials by fraudsters impersonating lawyers.

The revelations have sparked significant concerns regarding the integrity of India’s content-takedown system, raising alarms that legitimate websites could be unjustly blocked using falsified legal documents. This incident underscores the potential vulnerabilities within the regulatory framework governing internet content in India.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are expected to enhance scrutiny over the processes involved in website takedowns. The telecom ministry is likely to review its protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future, ensuring that safeguards are in place to protect legitimate online platforms.