Submission to UN details digital threats facing human rights defenders in India

The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has submitted input to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), detailing how India’s digital environment is impacting human rights defenders (HRDs), including journalists, activists, and civil society organisations.

The submission was made in response to a UN consultation on the protection of human rights defenders in the digital age. It examines how laws, technologies, and online platforms shape the ability of these groups to work safely and freely.

One focus is on legal and regulatory measures. The submission highlights recent changes to India’s data protection law, which may limit access to information by expanding restrictions on what counts as “personal information”. It also points to mechanisms such as government portals that allow authorities to request rapid removal of online content, creating uncertainty around permissible expression.

The document also outlines different forms of online harm faced by human rights defenders. These include harassment, doxxing, disinformation, and the creation of non-consensual deepfake images. Such practices can damage reputations, silence individuals, and lead to offline risks.

In addition, the submission addresses disruptions to digital communication, including internet shutdowns and geo-blocking, which can limit the ability of defenders to report, organise, and communicate.

The use of surveillance technologies is another concern. The submission refers to cases involving spyware, facial recognition systems, and large-scale data platforms, noting that these tools may be used to monitor activists and journalists without sufficient safeguards.