EFF: Fighting for Bloggers' Rights
With the Chyetanya Kunte - NDTV/Barkha Dutt episode rising numerous questions about bloggers' rights, it is interesting to note that the nonprofit Electronic Frontier Foundation have been fighting for bloggers' rights. Just thought of sharing this with Indibloggers.Do you think we need something on these lines in India?
Hmm... I will have to read through this once I am back at home and then comment. (at office right now 
)
Quote from wikipedia:
The Indian Constitution, while not mentioning the word "press", provides for "the right to freedom of speech and expression" (Article 19(1) a). However this right is subject to restrictions under sub clause (2), whereby this freedom can be restricted for reasons of "sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, preserving decency, preserving morality, in relation to contempt, court, defamation, or incitement to an offense". [...]
That's a whole lot of stuff under a single sub-clause! ....but yes, India needs someone to be fighting the good fight.
As for NDTV - The word "defamation" itself is a whole subject to be discussed. How does one define it? As in the case of NDTV, is it defamation even when everything the blogger said was true? Agreed, he had his opinions as well ; aside from the fact that he has a right to them, don't we see our Indian journalists throwing about their own opinions and "feelings" when they want to sensationalize something?
Totally agree with you Renie. Most of our journalists air their 'views' and do not 'report' the news. However, based on some skewed logic, if bloggers write their opinions, a big hue and cry is raised about the 'irresponsibility' of bloggers, and the fact that they 'do not verify the facts'. Begs the question if journalists ever do it. I do feel, we need something on the lines of EFF in India to raise a voice and represent the bloggers.
Thanks Adarsh, will check it out.
@ Adarsg, as promised had a look. The EFF is beautifullly done. And I agree, India needs something like that.
The most desirable thing would be to have Indiblogger at the centre of this "protect bloggers' rights" movement.
Thanks for looking at it Amitabh.
@Amitabh - I agree that 'Indiblogger' would need to be at the centre of 'protect bloggers' rights" movement!
What say Renie? 
Let me call my lawyer!
Is there any lawyer amongst us on this forum who can help us? A law student will do. Perhaps s/he can make a career out of supporting bloggers.
Sign in to reply to this thread
