India Ranks 131 on Press Freedom Index

Bangalore: India ranks 131 on the press freedom index as per Reporters without Borders. In the wake of controversey regarding freedom of expression in the country, over the two girls being arrested for a Facebook comment questioning the total shutdown for Bal Thackeray's funeral, it also brings to light the press freedom in India.

As per the ‘Reporters without Borders’ report there is an increasing trend in India of web monitoring and censorship by authorities, reported Chidanand Rajghatta for TNN. Further, Indian officials have asked Google several times between July and December 2010 to remove 282 content items as per the Google Transparency website, which logs the internet content. The content here is particularly videos critical of politicians from YouTube and several blogs. Google supposedly complied with 22 percent of the requests, says the report.

India is ranked in the "partly free" category, a rank below fully free countries such as U.S., Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and Australia, as per the study of 47 countries on the issue of Internet freedom. In terms of key internet controls, the report cites India for blocking Web 2.0, localized or nationwide ICT shutdown, increasing censorship, passing new laws, and arrests of bloggers for political and social commentary.

Also Read: Facebook Comment Can Land You in Jail