While Internet has become a basic necessity these days, the freedom of Internet users is facing serious threats from various quarters.
Over 40 people on Saturday gathered at the Besant Nagar Beach to protest against Internet censorship.
Organised by Free Software Foundation Tamil Nadu (FSFTN) and attended by like-minded people, the members distributed pamphlets to the public to educate them on freedom of speech and various laws formulated by the government on Information Technology.
“We want to be transparent as it’s important to discuss Internet freedom and censorship. Today’s protest was an opportunity to know about the rights of an Internet user,” said Mr Sibi Kanagaraj, one of the founder members of FSFTN.
“We started FSFTN in 2008 to enlighten people about free software. Later, we became a part of the Free Software Movement of India (FSMI).
One of our objectives is to create awareness among computer users regarding the use of free software.
The government’s new Information Technology (Intermediaries Guidelines) Rules, 2011 prescribe various guiding principles to be observed by all Internet-related companies and the protest was to stress on the freedom of our speech,” he added.
Holding placards, the members raised slogans, “Sharing is our right and it’s not piracy” and “Stop Internet Censorship”. Mr Alagu Nambi Welkin of FSFTN said, “Many people participated in the protest and we distributed pamphlets both in English and Tamil.”