[Breaking at My Lawrd] The Central Government has appointed a new designated officer under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act).
In a notification, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) appointed the Group Coordinator (Cyber Law) as the Designated Officer. Earlier, the Director (National Cyber Security Centre) was the designated officer.
Who is a Designated Officer under Section 69A?
Under Section 69A, the Central Government has the power to block access to any information transmitted, received, stored or hosted in any computer resource. Generally, the government uses this section to block any content available on the internet.
The grounds for such blocking can be public order, preserving sovereignty and integrity of India, national security, friendly relations with foreign states, or preventing the commission of any cognizable offence relating to any of the above.
Detailed provisions regarding such blocking are enshrined in the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009.
Also Read: Section 69A & Blocking: Inconsistent Precepts and Practices
The designated officer receives any request to block access to any information and passes an order, with reasons for such takedown. The order directs any agency of the Government, or an intermediary to block access.
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