Reportedly, the E2EE email service Proton Mail has received communication from MeitY regarding a potential block under S.69-A IT Act, at the request of the TN police over a hoax bomb threat sent to private schools in Chennai.
Blanket bans on E2EE platforms disproportionately impact citizens' fundamental rights to freedom of speech & expression and privacy, by obstructing access to vital secure communication channels crucial for both personal & professional interactions in today's digital landscape.
The online content blocking regime is shrouded in opacity, with MeitY frequently invoking the confidentiality clause under Rule 16 of the 2009 Blocking Rules to withhold reasons or copies of blocking orders.
The absence of transparency in this process raises significant concerns regarding accountability and due process in the regulation of online content. The unavailability of reasoned blocking orders hampers the ability of website owners and affected users to effectively challenge the blocking before an appropriate forum.
At this stage, it is yet to be determined if a blocking order for the blocking of Proton Mail has been issued or not. We will definitely be filing RTI requests to find out more.