We’ve had a taste of the nanny state a few years back when porn sites were blocked, even as courts opined against the ban. The courts had then said we cannot become a totalitarian state, indicating that what adults do in the privacy of their bedrooms is their own concern. We are now being told again that Indians cannot be trusted to make mature adult choices and that we must be herded sheep like into a particular direction decided by the powers that be. Jio has banned adult sites on its network and the Uttarakhand High Court has directed all internet service providers to do the same pursuant to a central directive.
Over 800 sites have been ordered to be blocked by a central order. Apparently this has a negative impact on youth who must be saved from their own base urges. Jio has complied and it is expected that other service providers will do the same.
Many feel that such a porn ban is an infringement of one's fundamental rights. People also feel that this is yet another way for the government to control and circumscribe free choice.
Some are clearly distraught! While some made jokes such as these, others expressed serious concerns on how such actions are tantamount to treating citizens as unruly children who have no idea what is good for them, having to be told what is and is not good for them.
Some of the tweeple pointed out that the SC has struck down archaic laws such as 377 (homosexuality) and 497 (adultery) showing a progressive outlook. Now by banning porn we are once again being told that we are incapable of making mature choices which is most unfortunate.
While Jio users have expressed their opposition to the ban, other ISP users who are not yet affected are quite cheerful. Not for long though!
Some have decided to give up their Jio connections and opt for another service provider. However, this will not make much of a difference if other ISPs also follow the central directive to ban 800+ sites.
Sacred Games, the Netflix original series is like the Indian Game of Thrones and there always seems to be a meme fit for any occasion.
Where there is a ban, there is a way out for the Jugaadu people of India. If people are unable to access porn one way, they will do it some other way, feel a great many people on Twitter.
Desh sankat mein hai (the country is in danger) says this meme. So was the porn ban put into place because the country is at risk or will we be in danger now that the #PornBan is in place?
People are wondering if there is some other reason behind the porn ban.
Many will now seek refuge in the porn saved on hard drives and portable devices everywhere; euphemistically referred to as ‘study material’ by some.
…They trusted Jio and lived to regret the day when the ISP stabbed them in the back! While the meme makers are busy making jokes, others are expressing serious concerns over the increasing inference of the authorities in personal matters and the choices available to citizens. Are we really in danger of becoming a “totalitarian state”; the apprehension that courts had expressed earlier?
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