We have been actively seeking registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010 for several years. During this period, we have also submitted multiple applications for prior permission, some of which have been granted.
In each instance, we have complied fully with the requirements set forth under the Act and relevant rules, including providing all information and documentation requested by the authorities in a timely and transparent manner.
Despite our adherence to procedural norms and repeated good faith engagement, there has been no communication regarding the current status of our registration application. We have not received any formal rejection or further information. As a result, we remain in an indefinite state of uncertainty.
This prolonged ambiguity has had material consequences for our organization. In the absence of access to foreign contributions, we have relied heavily on domestic fundraising, community support, and voluntary contributions. We have had to relinquish our office premises, give up full-time staff, rely on pro bono help or volunteers, and scale down critical operations. We have done this all while continuing to uphold our legal obligations. We provide all the information we have, yet speculative doubts are raised by making spurious connections, our supporters are harassed online.
We take pride in our work to strengthen India’s role as a global leader in technology policy. Our engagements span all three branches of government, and our work has consistently advanced the public interest with integrity and professionalism. All our work is for India. We will continue to work for Indian internet users so they have access to an open and free Internet.
Our Commitments Are Rooted in Values, Not Group Alignments
Over the years, we have consistently advocated for technology policy that aligns with the Constitution of India and serves the greater public interest. This commitment has sometimes placed us at odds with powerful interests depending on the issue at hand.
When we opposed software patents, we were labeled as anti MNC and overly aligned with Indian industry.
When we defended free speech and privacy in the digital space, the same voices accused us of undermining national interest and aligning with platform companies.
Our principled opposition to the dilution of net neutrality, resistance against Freebasics/Internet.org and our push for meaningful platform accountability have drawn criticism from those same companies and other various quarters: sometimes, from those we were seen to support just months earlier.
These shifting perceptions are not contradictions in our stance. They reflect the integrity with which we approach every issue: guided not by affiliations or adversaries, but by a deep commitment to constitutional values, equality, accountability, and public interest to defend our digital freedoms.
Our values do not change depending on who benefits from a particular position. Whether we are challenging commercial overreach, advocating for user rights, or contributing to policy reform, We remain grounded in a vision of India that is just and rights respecting—a Digital India that leads and inspires the world.
We are not aligned with any interest group. We are aligned with the people who are empowered by a Free and Open Internet built upon Free and Open Source Software.
SFLC.in believes in being transparent about our funding sources and financials. We are also registered under Section 80G and 12A of the Income Tax Act. Registration Numbers – DIT(E)/80G/2011-12/S-6247/683
Our financial reports and permissions obtained from the Government under FCRA are given below: