Timeline of Website Block

One might have come across certain websites which show a “404 error” upon visiting, and in some other cases, a statement saying a website was blocked following an order by the Indian Government or MeitY.
Blocking websites is one of the many ways in which the State tries to censor content as well as fundamental right to free speech and expression. Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, empowers the government to issue these blocking orders, but in most cases, website owners do not receive any notification prior to the block, denying them their right to be heard. Their dissatisfaction is voiced only post-facto, by virtue of the state not notifying website owners before blocking their site, and it might take a very long time before the site is accessible again.
This list provides details of website blocks — along with the reasons provided by the government for blocking them, and under the circumstances under which the sites were blocked. RTIs filed by SFLC.in asking for details about the blocking orders, and complaints brought to our attention by people aggrieved by the blocked sites are the primary source of information for this list. Apart from that, we have also sourced this information from responses to questions raised in Parliament.
We have filed several RTIs requesting the Government to give us data on these blocks. One thing to note is that the government is not very forthcoming about these blocks, and has rejected most of our RTIs and appeals under S. 8 of the RTI Act.
We understand that the list may not be all-encompassing, and if there are instances of website blocks which you think we might have missed, do let us know by clicking the report button.

Mar-22

Name of the Organization : John Doe Websites
Date of the block : Mar-22
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : Court Block
ISP’s blocked : NA

The website is blocked for infringement of trademark of Dabur India Limited.

Has it been unblocked? : No

Source : Link

Feb-22

Name of the Organization : 123MoviesHub.TC
Date of the block : Feb-22
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : Court Block
ISP’s blocked : NA

Any other info : The wesite was blocked for violating Copyright and Trademark of Universal City Studios LLC., Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc., Netflix Studios, LLC, Paramount Pictures Corporation and Disney Enterprises

Has it been unblocked? : No

Source : https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/delhi-high-court-blocking-rogue-websites-online-piracy-streaming-content-universal-netflix-disney-etc-192588

20-Oct-2021

Name of the Organization : filmyclub.wapkiz.com, ipl.hitcric.tv, doratv-ipl.wapkiz.com, tamilblasters.win, thdtvworld.xyz, uptomovie.xyz and zolhdtv.com.
Date of the block : 20-Oct-21
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : Court Block
ISP’s blocked : Yes

Any other info : Interim injunction granted by the court for infringing global exclusive media rights of Star India for covering ICC events.

Has it been unblocked? : No

Source : https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/icc-t20-world-cup-delhi-high-court-star-india-broadcasting-restrains-other-websites-183927

Requested on 8 Nov

Name of the Organization : Shyam Meera Singh’s Twitter Account
Date of the block : Requested on 8 November
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : Tripura Police Crime Branch
ISP’s blocked : NA

Any other info : Twitter refused to block the account and informed the user.

Has it been unblocked? : NA

Source : https://twitter.com/ShyamMeeraSingh/status/1457541507645272064

24-Sep-2020

Name of the Organization : LIVING MEDIA INDIA LIMITED
Date of the block : 24-Sep-20
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : Court Block under TM Act
ISP’s blocked : Not Provided

Any other info : Blocked for infringing the trademark of AAJ TAK news channel. Living Media India Limited is the owner of the trademark of AAJ TAK. Google, Facebook asked to block these websites.

Has it been unblocked? : No

Source : https://www.livelaw.in/news-updates/delhi-high-court-google-facebook-block-websites-domain-names-infringing-aaj-tak-trademark-181144

4-Feb-2021

Name of the Organization : Ban on online gambling apps including fantasy sports apps
Date of the block : Feb 4, 2021
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : Banned through ordinance and later by a bill passed by Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
ISP’s blocked : Not Provided

Any other info : The Statement of Objects and Reasons for the Bill introduced by Deputy Chief Minister O Paneerselvam said that playing online games that are addictive had increased multifold in recent times. Innocent people got cheated and incidents of suicide were reported. To prevent such incidents and protect innocent people from evils of online gaming, it was decided to ban wagering or betting in cyber space.

Has it been unblocked? : Yes

Source : https://www.dtnext.in/News/TamilNadu/2021/02/04124228/1274462/Tamil-Nadu-Assembly-passes-bill-banning-online-betting.vpf

Over June 2021

Name of the Organization : Sikh News channels like Akaal Channel, Sikh Siyasat, KTV were blocked in India on major platforms.
Date of the block : Over June 2021
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : Not known
ISP’s blocked : Not Provided

Any other info : The English website of Sikh Siyasat has been blocked since 6 June, although the Punjabi site is still functioning. This isn’t an isolated case of a Sikh-oriented online platform being blocked.The hashtag #Sikh was found to be blocked on Facebook and Instagramand the homepages of Sikh oriented Akaal Channel, KTV and TV84 were blocked on YouTube.

Has it been unblocked? : The english website of Sikh Siyasat is still not accessible. The youtube channels of the other mentioned Sikh have been unblocked. Even the hashtag sikh has been unblocked.

Source : https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/sikh-banned-social-media-siyasat-punjab-operation-bluestar-ghallughara-facebook-instagram#read-more

9-Jan-2021

Name of the Organization : Prepp.in
Date of the block : January 9, 2021
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : No official order from the court or Government of India. Only an email was sent to GoDaddy to shut down the website.
ISP’s blocked : Not Provided

Any other info : Prepp.in, a website targeted at government job aspirants, was shut down by GoDaddy for over a day in December due to a complaint by Meghalaya Police. Prepp.in said that the complaint was against a post that speculated on an exam schedule for Meghalaya Police recruitment. This time, though, Prepp was mistaken about any exams or appointments being notified soon, and Meghalaya Police — which was not hiring any new officers in that role in 2020 — did not take it lightly. Instead of reaching out to the website for a correction, the police directly shot off an email to GoDaddy, the domain registrar where Prepp.in is registered, and the registrar shut the website down for one and a half days.

Has it been unblocked? : It has been unblocked

Source : https://www.medianama.com/2021/01/223-godaddy-prepp-meghalaya-police/

24-Nov-2020

Name of the Organization : 43 apps banned
Date of the block : November 24th 2020
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : 69 A block
ISP’s blocked : List available at https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1675335

Any other info : Press release https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1675335

Has it been unblocked? : No

28-Oct-2020

Name of the Organization : Stand With Kashmir
Date of the block : October 28, 2020
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : Not clear
ISP’s blocked : Not Provided

Any other info : Not available

Has it been unblocked? : No

12-Sept-2020

Name of the Organization : APUS Launcher Pro- Theme, Live Wallpapers, Smart APUS Launcher -Theme, Call Show, Wallpaper, HideApps APUS Security -Antivirus, Phone security, Cleaner APUS Turbo Cleaner 2020- Junk Cleaner, Anti-Virus APUS Flashlight-Free & Bright Cut Cut – Cut Out & Photo Background Editor Baidu Baidu Express Edition FaceU – Inspire your Beauty ShareSave by Xiaomi: Latest gadgets, amazing deals CamCard – Business Card Reader CamCard Business CamCard for Salesforce CamOCR InNote VooV Meeting – Tencent Video Conferencing Super Clean – Master of Cleaner, Phone Booster WeChat reading Government WeChat Small Q brush Tencent Weiyun Pitu WeChat Work Cyber Hunter Cyber Hunter Lite Knives Out-No rules, just fight! Super Mecha Champions LifeAfter Dawn of Isles Ludo World-Ludo Superstar Chess Rush PUBG MOBILE Nordic Map: Livik PUBG MOBILE LITE Rise of Kingdoms: Lost Crusade Art of Conquest: Dark Horizon Dank Tanks Warpath Game of Sultans Gallery Vault – Hide Pictures And Videos Smart AppLock (App Protect) Message Lock (SMS Lock)-Gallery Vault Developer Team Hide App-Hide Application Icon AppLock AppLock Lite Dual Space – Multiple Accounts & App Cloner ZAKZAK Pro – Live chat & video chat online ZAKZAK LIVE: live-streaming & video chat app Music – Mp3 Player Music Player – Audio Player & 10 Bands Equalizer HD Camera Selfie Beauty Camera Cleaner – Phone Booster Web Browser & Fast Explorer Video Player All Format for Android Photo Gallery HD & Editor Photo Gallery & Album Music Player – Bass Booster – Free Download HD Camera – Beauty Cam with Filters & Panorama HD Camera Pro & Selfie Camera Music Player – MP3 Player & 10 Bands Equalizer Gallery HD Web Browser – Fast, Privacy & Light Web Explorer Web Browser – Secure Explorer Music player – Audio Player Video Player – All Format HD Video Player Lamour Love All Over The World Amour- video chat & call all over the world. MV Master – Make Your Status Video & Community MV Master – Best Video Maker & Photo Video Editor APUS Message Center-Intelligent management LivU Meet new people & Video chat with strangers Carrom Friends : Carrom Board & Pool Game- Ludo All Star- Play Online Ludo Game & Board Games Bike Racing : Moto Traffic Rider Bike Racing Games Rangers Of Oblivion : Online Action MMO RPG Game Z Camera – Photo Editor, Beauty Selfie, Collage GO SMS Pro – Messenger, Free Themes, Emoji U-Dictionary: Oxford Dictionary Free Now Translate Ulike – Define your selfie in trendy style Tantan – Date For Real MICO Chat: New Friends Banaen aur Live Chat karen Kitty Live – Live Streaming & Video Live Chat Malay Social Dating App to Date & Meet Singles Alipay AlipayHK Mobile Taobao Youku Road of Kings- Endless Glory Sina News Netease News Penguin FM Murderous Pursuits Tencent Watchlist (Tencent Technology Learn Chinese AI-Super Chinese HUYA LIVE – Game Live Stream Little Q Album Fighting Landlords – Free and happy Fighting Landlords Hi Meitu Mobile Legends: Pocket VPN for TikTok VPN for TikTok Penguin E-sports Live assistant Buy Cars-offer everything you need, special offers and low prices iPick Beauty Camera Plus – Sweet Camera & Face Selfie Parallel Space Lite – Dual App “Chief Almighty: First Thunder BC MARVEL Super War NetEase Games AFK Arena Creative Destruction NetEase Games Crusaders of Light NetEase Games Mafia City Yotta Games Onmyoji NetEase Games Ride Out Heroes NetEase Games Yimeng Jianghu-Chu Liuxiang has been fully upgraded Legend: Rising Empire NetEase Games Arena of Valor: 5v5 Arena Games Soul Hunters Rules of Survival
Date of the block : Sept 12, 2020
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : 69 A block
ISP’s blocked : Not Provided

Any other info : The Gov. of India had decided to block 118 mobile apps, in view of information available that they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.

Has it been unblocked? : No

6-July-2020

Name of the Organization : New York Times
Date of the block : July 6, 2020
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : Not clear
ISP’s blocked : Reliance Jio and Vodafone

Any other info : New York Times seemed to be inaccessible on some networks in India. Various users had reported online that the app and the website of the American newspaper is not working on Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea networks. Some users had also suggested that the domain of The New York Times, had apparently been blocked by some Internet service providers (ISPs) as well.

Has it been unblocked? : Yes

5-July-2020

Name of the Organization : Sikhs for Justice (SFJ)
Date of the block : July 5, 2020
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : 69 A block
ISP’s blocked : Not Provided

Any other info : Sikhs For Justice (SFJ), under the UAPA,1967, launched a campaign for registering supporters for its cause. On recommendation of MHA, MEITY had issued orders for blocking 40 websites of SFJ.

Has it been unblocked? : No

1-July-2020

Name of the Organization : Duckduckgo
Date of the block : July 1, 2020
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : Not clear
ISP’s blocked : Airtel and Reliance Jio

Any other info : The US-based DuckDuckGo seemed to be blocked days after the government banned 59 Chinese apps in India. However, neither the government nor telco operators like Airtel and Reliance Jio have clarified the reasons for blocking DuckDuckGo in India.

Has it been unblocked? : Yes

29-June-2020

Name of the Organization : TikTok Shareit Kwai UC Browser Baidu map Shein Clash of Kings DU battery saver Helo Likee YouCam makeup Mi Community CM Browers Virus Cleaner APUS Browser ROMWE Club Factory Newsdog Beutry Plus WeChat UC News QQ Mail Weibo Xender QQ Music QQ Newsfeed Bigo Live SelfieCity Mail Master Parallel Space Mi Video Call – Xiaomi WeSync ES File Explorer Viva Video – QU Video Inc Meitu Vigo Video New Video Status DU Recorder Vault- Hide Cache Cleaner DU App studio DU Cleaner DU Browser Hago Play With New Friends Cam Scanner Clean Master – Cheetah Mobile Wonder Camera Photo Wonder QQ Player We Meet Sweet Selfie Baidu Translate Vmate QQ International QQ Security Center QQ Launcher U Video V fly Status Video Mobile Legends DU Privacy
Date of the block : June 29, 2020
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : 69 A block
ISP’s blocked : In view of the emergent nature of threats, the Gov. of India decided to block 59 apps in view of information availablethat they are engaged in activities which is prejudicial to sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of state and public order.

Any other info : Not Provided

Has it been unblocked? : No

29-June-2020

Name of the Organization : Let India Breathe (LIB), Fridays for Future (FFF) There Is No Earth
Date of the block : June 29, 2020
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : Not clear
ISP’s blocked : Not Provided

Any other info : Not Provided

Has it been unblocked? : Yes

2019

Name of the Organization : 3635 websites
Date of the block : 2019
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : 69 A block
ISP’s blocked : Not Provided

Any other info : Not Provided

Has it been unblocked? : Not clear

2018

Name of the Organization : 2388 websites
Date of the block : 2018
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : 69 A block
ISP’s blocked : Not Provided

Any other info : Not Provided

Has it been unblocked? : Not clear

2017

Name of the Organization : 1662 websites
Date of the block : 2017
Court Block/The IT Act, 2000 69 A Block/Others : 69A block
ISP’s blocked : Not Provided

Any other info : Not Provided

Has it been unblocked? : Not clear

Timeline of Website Block

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