India Ranks 131 on Press Freedom Index
The report also said “Ever since the 2008 Bombay attacks, the authorities have been intensifying their Internet surveillance and pressure on technical service providers while publicly denying censorship accusations. The national security policy of the world's largest democracy is undermining online freedom of expression and Internet users' privacy."
Further, the threat from mafia groups operating in the main cities in India also contributed to self-censorship. However, the authorities were no better and in May, they unveiled the “Information Technology Rules 2011,” which have dangerous implications for online freedom of expression, said the report. Foreign reporters saw their visa requests being turned down or were pressured to provide positive coverage.
It was noted that Finland and Norway ranked first on the index, while Estonia and Netherlands ranked second. Austria took the fifth place on the index. The U.S. ranked 47 and India 131, down from 122 in 2010. Pakistan was seen at the 151st position.
