Net neutrality keeps coming up in public discourse in India ever since the #SaveTheInternet campaign in 2015. Recently TRAI put out a consultation on OTT regulation and selective banning of apps which has brought back the discussion on net neutrality.  In this episode, Jhalak and Shashank speak to Apar Gupta about the importance of net neutrality, his experience with the #SaveTheInternet campaign, the recent TRAI consultation on the regulation of OTT (over-the-top) communication services, internet shutdowns and the selective banning of applications.

Apar Gupta is a lawyer dedicated to advancing and protecting digital rights. He has over 13 years of experience as a lawyer and a social entrepreneur, specializing in the intersection of technology and democratic rights. He previously served as the Executive Director and later Founder Director of the Internet Freedom Foundation where he led and supported various initiatives to promote digital freedom and safeguard fundamental rights, most notably running the SaveTheInternet.in movement for net neutrality. 

Resources

For more on Apar Gupta https://linktr.ee/apar1984 

Apar on internet shutdowns in Manipur - https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/apar-gupta-writes-in-manipur-another-internet-shutdown-a-conflict-intensified-8970390/ 

For more on the recent TRAI consultation: https://cyberlaw.stanford.edu/publications/response-telecom-regulatory-authority-indias-consultation-regulatory-mechanism-over  

https://cyberlaw.stanford.edu/publications/counter-comments-telecom-regulatory-authority-india%E2%80%99s-consultation-regulatory-mechanism 

Hosts: Jhalak M. Kakkar, Shashank Mohan

Editor: Gopika P

Fact Checker: Srija Naskar

Supported by: Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom

This podcast is created by the ⁠Centre for Communication Governance⁠ at NLU-D. Reach out for any queries / suggestions at ccgoutreach@nludelhi.ac.in 

(The opinions expressed in the episode are personal to the speaker. The University does not subscribe to the views expressed in the episode and does not take any responsibility for the same.)