(a) whether the Government have banned the import of a CD-ROM, titled `Compton 1999 Encyclopaedia` on the ground that it wrongly showed India`s boundaries with Pakistan, Afghanistan and China and contained objectionable textual references;
(b) if so, the details of wrong information contained therein;
(c) the circumstances under which the consignment was seized; and
(d) if so, the steps taken to ensure that internet system is not misused by unscrupulous elements to malign India?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (CH. VIDYASAGAR RAO)
(a),(b)&(c): On receipt of a reference from Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue, that a consignment for import of software titled `Compton - 1998 Encyclopaedia` containing objectionable text and maps has been detained by Nhava Sheva Custom House, Mumbai, the matter was considered.
It was observed that the CD-ROM in question contains maps wherein the external boundaries of India with Pakistan, Afghanistan and China do not correspond with the published maps of Survey of India and that in the text, efforts have been made to twist the facts on the issue of accession of Kashmir. Hence it was decided that the said Encyclopaedia in CD-ROM may not be permitted to be imported.
(d): Internet system is a global network with more than 200 countries using the system. It is difficult for any single government to exercise control over it. However, enactment of Cyber Law has ensured punishment for such misuse of Internet. The license agreement of Internet Service Providers (ISP) states that ISPs must ensure that their services are not used for such purposes. Clause 1.12.4 Schedule `C` Part II of the ISP licence provides that in the interest of national security, the ISP shall block Internet sites and/or individual subscribers, as identified by the Telecom Authority from time to time.