ALT Democracy and a crackdown on protesters cannot co-exist. In Delhi, authorities have responded to peaceful assembly with indiscriminate detentions, mobile internet shutdowns, and instructions to social media platforms to prioritise gov’t requests and “enhance diligence”. Our message to the government, to platforms, and to protesters:

ALT To the government of India: keep people connected. Shutting down the internet or banning communication apps is not a justifiable safety measure. It cuts people off from lawyers, families, doctors and journalists, and hinders accountability while shielding violence. Not only is this a grave violation of fundamental rights, but it is also counter-productive from a law and order standpoint.

ALT To social media platforms: Fulfill human rights responsibilities and push back against overbroad and rights-violating mandates; Do not remove lawful speech on demand; Respect freedom of expression; Review government demands for legality and proportionality; Inform users when their content is removed and why, and give them a working route to appeal. Choose the people who make your platform.

ALT To everyone protesting peacefully: Protect your safety as you exercise your rights. Before you go: switch off face and fingerprint unlock, use a strong passcode, and carry only what you need. Digital safety is key to physical safety. Secure your phone before you go. Expect the internet to be cut. Know who to call if you are detained. You do not have to unlock your phone or share passwords with authorities.