The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has declined to produce reasons for blocking popular file sharing website WeTransfer last month, on grounds of the matter being under investigation. WeTransfer is a popular file sharing service, based in the Netherlands, used for sharing large files. As per an order dated May 18, 2020, the DoT had directed all internet service providers to block three URLs of WeTransfer, reportedly done in the interests of, "national security and public order".
IFF argued that the Order has not been pro-actively published and hence there exists a large amount of confusion amongst the large base of WeTransfer users in India as the website is being inconsistently blocked across ISPs throughout India.
The rights group, in a separate representation, has urged DoT to recall the order and initiate a fresh process under the Blocking Rules. The group had earlier filed RTIs to seek reasons for blocking of Telegram and Porn websites in the past to which replies are awaited.
#TheDepartmentofTelecommunications #WeTransfer