List of Websites Blocked in India (2024)

List of Websites Blocked in India: According to Software Freedom Law Centre; India blocked 55,607 websites in seven years (2015-2023). Of these blocked URLs, around 26,474, or 48 % were blocked under the Information Technology Act. Another 47 % of the total URLs were blocked for copyright infringement. The remaining 5 % were blocked for different charges including obscenity, p*rnography, and child sexual abuse.

In this article, we are going to discuss the Websites Blocked in India in detail with Internet censorship in India.

List of Websites Blocked in India

In India, the government does not share a list of websites they have blocked. They have banned many websites over the years due to national security concerns. Sometimes they block the websites with the help of internet providers or as ordered by courts.

List of Mobile Apps Blocked in India

As the data is not available we have added the data of mobile apps which are banned in India as mentioned below:

Communication Apps Banned in India

In May 2023, 14 communication apps were banned because they were believed to be used by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir.

• Wickrme
• Mediafire
• Briar
• BChat
• Nandbox
• Conion
• IMO
• Element
• Second line
• Zangi
• Threema
• Crypviser
• Enigma
• Safeswiss

The government in India blocks certain websites to control what people can see online. They use methods like filtering internet addresses and teaching people how to use the internet properly. Sometimes, websites are removed because content creators ask or because of court orders. There was talk about starting a big project to watch over the internet, similar to what China does.

• In 2000, India made a law called the Information Technology Act to manage the internet, making it illegal to post offensive things.
• Changes to this law in 2008 gave the government more power to block websites and punish people for sending mean messages.
• Internet companies might have to block websites if the government says it’s for national security.
• In 2001, a special group was made to handle problems like online crimes and inappropriate websites.
• Another group called CERT-IN was created in 2003 to make sure the internet in India is safe.
• If CERT-IN says a website should be blocked, all the internet companies in India have to do it.
• Every few weeks, leaders from social media companies meet up to talk about taking down posts that might be a threat to India.
• Under the Modi government, these meetings have become longer and more important.

Also Read:

• The Internet and the Web
• Internet censorship [en.wikipedia.org]

Why are these Websites blocked in India?

Here is the government agenda to block the websites and applications as mentioned below.

• The government wants to control what people can see online to keep society peaceful and stop false information or harmful material.
• Blocking some websites is important to protect the country from dangerous information, like terrorist messages or things that might cause violence.
• They block websites with bad or sexual content to keep society’s morals safe, especially for kids.
• Websites might be blocked to follow the country’s rules, like the Information Technology Act, which tells how the internet can be used in India.
• They block websites used for crimes like stealing information, hacking, or sharing illegal files, to keep people safe online.
• Sometimes, websites are blocked because a court says so, maybe for stealing ideas, saying bad things about people, or breaking other rules.
• Websites promoting extreme ideas or violence are blocked to prevent people from getting radicalized and causing problems.
• The government tells internet companies to block certain websites, making sure they follow the rules and don’t let harmful content spread.

People Also Read:

• Cyber Laws in India
• Information Technology Act, 2000 (India)
• Websites Blocked in North Korea
• Websites Blocked in China
• Websites Blocked in Russia

Summary – List of Websites Blocked in India

India’s approach to managing the online space involves blocking access to a wide range of websites, from those promoting harmful activities like terrorism and piracy to those involved in fraud, spreading hate speech, or distributing malware. With over 55,607 websites blocked between 2015 and 2023 for various reasons, the government’s efforts aim to protect national security, uphold public order, and ensure a safe digital environment for its citizens. Methods used include direct orders to internet service providers, legal actions, and the use of technology to filter out unwanted content. This comprehensive strategy reflects India’s commitment to maintaining a secure and respectful online sphere, while also raising questions about internet freedom and access to information.

FAQs on List of Websites Blocked in India

What happens if you visit a banned site in India?

No, visiting banned sites in India is not illegal in itself. The Information Technology Act, 2000, which is the main law governing the internet in India, does not specifically prohibit visiting banned sites.

What websites are usually blocked?

Schools and universities often block social media websites like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. They also block adult content websites and specific websites with inappropriate content.

What is the most banned website?

YouTube is the most blocked website.

How do I watch banned sites?

VPNs are the best and easiest option for unblocking websites — there are plenty of Android VPN and iPhone VPN apps to choose from. If you have an Android, you can also try a third-party browser like Onion, which uses the Tor network.

Is it bad to go on illegal websites?

Illegal streaming or downloading are extremely risky activities, which can leave you and your family at the mercy of malware, viruses, ransomware, scams and fraud.

How many sites are blocked in India?

In 2022, the Indian government blocked more than 3.7 thousand websites across India under Section 69A of the IT Act. The overall number of websites blocked in India between 2015 and 2022 grossed over 55 thousand.