Internet Censorship in India – block links, not websites

No need to block entire websites, Madras HC tells ISPs

If you are sick and tired of your internet service provider frequently blocking some popular websites, you can relax now. The Madras high court has ruled that its April 25 order against internet piracy should not be used to block the entire website; only specific web links should be blocked.

The order was obtained on April 25 by Copyright Labs on behalf of the producers of the Telugu film Dhammu directing a host of ISPs to block unnamed websites that enable users to download pirated copies of the movie.

The court finally cleared the air by stating that only specific URLs carrying the pirated content can be blocked, not the entire website.  This means, sites like Vimeo and Pirate Bay will finally be unclogged and only the URLs containing pirated content will be blocked if found by companies.

Additionally, the court order also directs the entertainment companies to inform ISPs within 48 hours “about the particulars of the URL where the interim movie is kept.