SFLC.in

The internet is central to communication, governance, and access to information - making the protection of our digital rights more critical than ever. At SFLC.in, we are committed to defending fundamental rights and building a digital space that is secure, open, and inclusive for all. For over 15 years, we have worked across multiple fronts - from legal advocacy & defence, research, policy analysis & recommendations, to monitoring & reporting, capacity building, and public education. Our efforts are driven by a single mission: to safeguard the rights of people online, including freedom of speech, privacy, security, and equitable access to knowledge. Through initiatives like the Digital Defenders Network, Digital Security Training, Internet Shutdown Tracker, Free Speech Tracker, RightsLine, and Strategic Litigation, we strive to support citizens at every step. We are proud to share that our work in Defending Digital Freedom has been recently recognised by the @EFF , which honoured SFLC.in with the EFF Awards 2025. 🏆 Take a look at our journey and impact - and support us in shaping a freer, fairer digital future. #DigitalRights #EFFAwards #FreedomOnline #SFLCin #Privacy #InternetFreedom

SFLC.in wishes everyone a very happy Eid!! May our digital spaces be as open, safe, and equitable as the spirit we celebrate today. #EidMubarak #Eid2026 #SFLCin #DigitalFreedom #InternetFreedom #FreedomOfExpression #OnlineSafety #Privacy #InclusiveInternet

Elections are a time for informed choices, not manipulated narratives. Misinformation and disinformation can shape opinions, influence votes, and weaken democratic processes. From deepfakes to misleading headlines, it is becoming harder to tell what is real and what is not. Before you share, pause and verify. Check the source, look for credible reporting, and question content that triggers strong emotions. To help you navigate this, explore SFLC.in’s Misinformation Toolkit. It offers simple, practical ways to identify and respond to false or misleading content online. Access the toolkit here: sflc.in/combating-misi… For further assistance, reach out to mail@sflc.in Stay informed. Stay critical. Vote responsibly. #Misinformation #Disinformation #Elections2026 #DigitalLiteracy #FactCheck #VerifyBeforeYouShare #InformationIntegrity #OnlineSafety #SFLCin

Your device does not just hold your data. It can hold entire networks of trust. For journalists, activists, researchers, and organisations, a single device seizure can expose sources, strategies, and communities. The impact is never limited to one person. Knowing your rights during search and seizure is essential. You have the right to ask why your device is being seized, request sealing and hashing, receive proper documentation, and protect sensitive information wherever legally possible. These safeguards are not only about personal privacy. They help protect confidentiality, trust, and the people connected to you. Access the Guide on Search and Seizure of Electronic Devices: sflc.in/sflc-ins-guide… If your digital rights are at risk or violated, you can report it through Rightsline: rightsline.sflc.in For further assistance, please reach out to mail@sflc.in #DigitalRights #Privacy #Surveillance #KnowYourRights #DataProtection #Journalism #HumanRights #OnlineSafety #SFLCin

The Software Freedom Law Center, India, along with senior journalist Geeta Seshu, has filed a petition before the Supreme Court, titled W.P.(C) 275/2026, challenging key provisions of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025. The petition argues that the current framework dilutes constitutional privacy protections, grants the State broad powers to process personal data without adequate safeguards, removes individuals’ ability to seek compensation for data breaches, and fails to provide necessary exemptions for journalistic activities. It also raises concerns about the Data Protection Board's independence. It also contends that these provisions violate fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution, including the right to privacy recognised in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India. Through this challenge, we seek a data protection framework that is constitutionally compliant, protects individual privacy, safeguards press freedom, and ensures effective remedies for violations. Access the petition here: sflc.in/litigation/gee… #Privacy #DataProtection #DPDPAct #DigitalRights #PressFreedom #ConstitutionOfIndia #RightToPrivacy

Your digital devices hold large parts of your life, personal conversations, work, photos, and sensitive information. When authorities seize a device, knowing your rights and ensuring proper documentation becomes crucial. From seizure memos and inventory lists to IMEI numbers and the legal grounds for seizure, these records help establish accountability and protect against misuse. Proper documentation also creates an official trail during the search and seizure process and can become critical later if you need to challenge an unlawful seizure, seek the return of your device, or pursue legal remedies. SFLC.in’s Search & Seizure Guide explains what law enforcement can and cannot do during device searches under Indian law, and what records you are entitled to receive. Read the guide to better understand and safeguard your digital rights-sflc.in/sflc-ins-guide… For further assistance contact us at mail@sflc.in #DigitalRights #KnowYourRights #SearchAndSeizure #PrivacyRights #DigitalSecurity #InternetFreedom #CivilLiberties #TechAndRights

Students in Jammu & Kashmir faced serious hurdles in completing their NEET applications after mobile data, voice, and SMS services were suspended amid protests. With OTP-based verification required for exam registrations and online study platforms, many students risked missing crucial deadlines due to the connectivity restrictions. On 6 March 2026, SFLC.in wrote to the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, highlighting how internet shutdowns can disrupt students’ academic opportunities and urging immediate intervention. The letter requested alternative login mechanisms (such as email-based OTPs or offline registration centres) and deadline extensions for candidates in affected regions to ensure that students are not unfairly penalised. While the shutdown was lifted later the same day, the incident once again highlights how connectivity restrictions can have unintended consequences on students preparing for national-level competitive exams. #InternetShutdown #InternetShutdowns #KeepItOn #LetTheNetWork #AccessToInternet #DigitalRights #OnlineAccess #RightToInternet #InternetFreedom #ConnectivityMatters #DigitalAccess #AccessToInformation

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, SFLC.in along with the @DEFindia , reaffirm our commitment to building gender-just digital spaces. Technology shapes how we communicate, work, and participate in public life, but its impacts are not experienced equally. Women and gender-diverse persons often face privacy violations, biased digital systems, barriers to access, and invisible digital labour in digital environments. Artistic reflections from DEF’s illustrated book on marginalised communities navigating technology capture how algorithm-driven platforms and digital systems shape everyday experiences. At the same time, SFLC.in’s Guide to Survive: How to Defend Your Online Spaces Against Online Gender-Based Violence highlights the risks women encounter in their daily online interactions, while Rightsline, SFLC.in’s digital rights helpline, continues to support individuals facing harms such as online abuse, misinformation, and cyber fraud. Because building a safer and more equitable digital ecosystem requires centring gender in conversations on digital rights, and ensuring women are able to navigate and shape these spaces safely. This Women’s Day, we pledge to keep advocating for gender-just digital spaces, because women’s rights in technology must be protected every day, not just on Women’s Day. Our OGBV guide-sflc.in/online-gender-… Rightsline- rightsline.sflc.in #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2026 #GenderJustDigitalSpaces #DigitalRights #WomenInTech #OnlineSafety #EndOnlineGBV #DigitalEquality #SFLCin #DEF #TechForRights

On International Women’s Day, SFLC.in along with @povmumbai pledge to recognise and amplify the invisible labour that powers artificial intelligence. AI is often framed as automated and self-learning. But behind every AI system are thousands of workers whose labour trains, refines, and sustains these technologies. Across the Global South, many of these workers are women performing essential tasks such as labelling data, training models to recognise patterns, and reviewing harmful or disturbing content for digital platforms. Despite forming the backbone of AI systems, this work often remains invisible and undervalued. Many data workers face precarious working conditions, low pay, and long hours reviewing distressing material, with little acknowledgement of their contribution to the AI ecosystem. Building ethical and accountable technology requires recognising the human labour behind it. This International Women’s Day, we pledge to advocate for greater visibility, fair and safe working conditions, and transparency in labour practices for the women whose work makes AI possible. #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInTech #AIethics #DataLabour #InvisibleLabour #DigitalRights #ResponsibleAI #GenderAndTechnology

On International Women’s Day, SFLC.in along with the @DEFindia pledge to recognise and highlight the invisible labour behind artificial intelligence. AI systems are often described as fully automated. But in reality, these technologies rely on thousands of human workers who perform the critical tasks that make AI function. Across the Global South, many of these workers are women who label images and videos, train AI systems to recognise patterns, and review harmful or disturbing content so that digital platforms can operate safely. Despite playing a foundational role in building AI systems, this labour often remains invisible. Many data workers face low pay, unstable contracts, long hours reviewing disturbing material, and little recognition for the value they create in the AI ecosystem. Building responsible and ethical technology requires acknowledging the human labour that powers it. This International Women’s Day, we pledge to advocate for greater recognition of women data workers, fair and safe working conditions, and transparency in labour practices so that accountability becomes central to the development of AI systems. #InternationalWomensDay #WomenInTech #AIethics #DataLabour #InvisibleLabour #DigitalRights #ResponsibleAI #GenderAndTechnology

Search and seizure of electronic devices is governed by law, not assumption. Not every official has the authority to search or confiscate your phone, laptop, or other digital devices. The legal power to conduct such actions depends on the law being invoked, the rank or designation of the officer, and whether proper procedure is followed. Different laws empower different authorities from police officers of specific ranks to income tax officials or authorised investigators. But even when an officer has the legal authority, searches must follow due process, including written authorisation, clearly stated legal grounds, proper documentation, and accountability mechanisms. When these procedures are ignored, it can amount to violations of privacy and fundamental rights. Access the Search & Seizure Guide to better understand the legal framework around electronic device searches. Access the guide here: sflc.in/sflc-ins-guide… For support or clarification write to us at mail@sflc.in #DigitalRights #KnowYourRights #SearchAndSeizure #PrivacyRights #RuleOfLaw #TechnologyLaw #CivilLiberties #SFLCin

On this International Women’s Day, SFLC.in along with @povmumbai pledges to advocate for inclusive and accountable algorithmic systems. Algorithms increasingly shape access to opportunities, services, and information. But when these systems are built on biased data or narrow design assumptions, they can reproduce and amplify existing inequalities. Technology must be designed with diverse genders, abilities, and communities in mind, and built on consent-based, inclusive datasets. Addressing algorithmic bias is not a one-day conversation; it requires continuous accountability and sustained effort. Because technology should work for everyone, not just for some. #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2026 #AlgorithmicBias #InclusiveTech #ResponsibleAI #DigitalRights #GenderAndTech #TechJustice #DataJustice #SFLCin #POV

Algorithms increasingly shape access to opportunities, services, and information online. When built on biased data or narrow assumptions, these systems can reproduce and amplify existing inequalities. This International Women’s Day, SFLC.in pledges along with the @DEFindia to advocate for inclusive and accountable AI systems. Through initiatives such as Just AI Initiative- Data and Algorithms for Communities Initiative and SFLC.in’s Guide to Survive: How to Defend Your Online Spaces Against Online Gender-Based Violence, we continue working towards technology that recognises diverse gender identities, abilities, and communities. Because challenging algorithmic bias cannot be a one-day conversation, it demands continuous scrutiny, accountability, and action. Technology must work for everyone! #InternationalWomensDay #IWD2026 #AlgorithmicBias #InclusiveAI #GenderAndTech #DigitalRights #DataJustice #ResponsibleAI #TechJustice #SFLCin #DEF #JustAI