India To Censor Google’s Orkut Because Of Anit-Shivaji Forums?

After discovering the existence of anti-Shivaji forums on Google’s Orkut, some authorities in India are attempting to ban access to Orkut in order to prevent users from viewing any future content that may insult their warrior king.

(Times of India) The Bombay high court on Thursday asked the state government to file a reply to a public interest litigation seeking a ban on Orkut. […]

In the present petition, Thane resident Subodh Balsaraf claimed that the language used against the warrior king was “vulgar and defamatory and showed disrespect to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj”.

With over a billion people, India is arguably the world’s largest democracy. Simply banning an entire site because of a differing opinion would make the nation web 2.0 unfriendly and would encourage businesses to relocate elsewhere.

Blocking Orkut because of a few rude remarks would hurt the millions of users who actually use the service for more noble reasons, inspiring hackers to create ways around the block and moving India a “step away” from being an open society.

See Also
deep connections

With the internet, one must take the bad along with the good (as that is what freedom of expression is all about) and hopefully India’s government will realize this lest they join the ranks of their Chinese neighbors where freedom of expression is suppressed.

Feeling stuck in self-doubt?

Stop trying to fix yourself and start embracing who you are. Join the free 7-day self-discovery challenge and learn how to transform negative emotions into personal growth.

Join Free Now

Picture of Darnell Clayton

Darnell Clayton

Darnell Clayton is a geek who discovered blogging long before he heard of the word "blog" (he called them "web journals" then). When he is not tweeting, friendfeeding, or blogging about space, he enjoys running, reading and describing himself in third person.

RECENT ARTICLES

TRENDING AROUND THE WEB

9 phrases socially awkward people use that make them sound desperate

9 phrases socially awkward people use that make them sound desperate

NewsReports

4 zodiac signs who never take the first step even when they are attracted to someone

4 zodiac signs who never take the first step even when they are attracted to someone

My Inner Creative

8 things narcissists hate because they can’t control you when you do them

8 things narcissists hate because they can’t control you when you do them

Global English Editing

9 minimalist habits that have helped me break free from the trap of materialism

9 minimalist habits that have helped me break free from the trap of materialism

Hack Spirit

6 zodiac signs who fall in love fast—but move on even faster

6 zodiac signs who fall in love fast—but move on even faster

Parent From Heart

If your goal is to be a classier and more refined person, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors

If your goal is to be a classier and more refined person, say goodbye to these 7 behaviors

Global English Editing