Will the Minister of Electronics & Information Technology be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the Ministry maintains a database of websites and books banned under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the manner in which this database can be accessed and if not, the reasons therefor; and;
(c) whether there are any criteria and protocol to be followed when blocking a website and books and if so, the details thereof?
(a) to (c): Yes, Sir. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology maintains database of information blocked under section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Blocking is carried out following due process as specified in “The Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009” subject to the condition that the information required to be blocked attracts the provisions of section 69A namely, sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States or public order or for preventing incitement to the commission of any cognizable offence related to above. Because of very nature of information, being sensitive for the national security or public order, the specific information is not shared for public access. The above said Rules require strict confidentiality to be maintained.
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