Internet Shutdowns Blog
7 Day Long internet shutdown in Andhra Pradesh in violation of Supreme Court of India Guidelines: RTI Response
On 25 May 2022 an internet shutdown was imposed in Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh. The shutdown lasted over 7 days. According to the internet shutdowns tracker maintained by SFLC.IN, this was the first recorded internet shutdown in Andhra Pradesh. Suspension of the internet was ordered after there were widespread protests in the district. The agitation took place against the government’s announcement to rename Konaseema as B R Ambedkar Konaseema. According to the order provided in the reply, suspension of the internet was issued to prevent disruption of public order. It stated that there was huge damage to public and private property and the government apprehended that such a situation will continue for some more days. Additionally, there was apprehension of more disruptions due to spread of false information. Therefore, government considered that in the interest of public internet services have to be shut down. There is no end date, and the order was not published as well.
The full letter can be accessed at - https://sflc.in/7-day-long-internet-shutdown-andhra-pradesh-violation-supreme-court-india-guidelines-rti-response
