Section 69A is a provision within The Information Technology Act, 2000, which grants the Central Government the power to restrict online content. It was introduced by an amendment to the IT Act in 2008 to create a legal mechanism for regulating digital information in the interest of national security and public order.
The provision works by allowing the Central Government, or an officer specially authorised by it, to direct any government agency or intermediary to block public access to any information hosted on a computer resource. This power can be exercised only if the government is satisfied that it is necessary in the interest of sovereignty and integrity of India, defence of India, security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States, or public order, or for preventing incitement to a cognizable offence related to these. The reasons for the blocking order must be recorded in writing. The procedure and safeguards for this process are detailed in the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009. An intermediary who fails to comply with a blocking direction faces punishment with imprisonment for a term up to seven years and a fine.
This provision is closely connected to the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. Its constitutional validity was challenged and upheld by the Supreme Court in the landmark judgment of Shreya Singhal v. Union of India (2015). The Court affirmed Section 69A because it was a narrowly drawn provision with procedural safeguards, unlike the unconstitutional Section 66A of the same Act, which was struck down in the same judgment.