Union Government unblocks 32 websites

Union Government has unblocked 32 websites which were blocked earlier in November 2014.
These websites were unblocked after they had promised to cooperate with the authorities and remove objectionable content.
They were blocked for carrying anti-India views and spreading banned terrorist outfit Islamic State of Iraq and Syria’s (ISIS) propaganda.
Background
Earlier in November 2014, these websites were blocked following complaint of Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS).
They were blocked by Department of Telecom (DoT) under Section 69 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009.
These rules give powers to government to block access to information on websites if it threatens the interest of

• Sovereignty and integrity of the country.
• Defence of India.
• Security of the state.
• Friendly relations with foreign states or public order.
• For preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence.

Month: Current Affairs - January, 2015