Trending
Telecommunications are essential for communication and information access in today’s fast-paced digital age. While World Telecommunication and Information Society Day celebrates technical advancement, it also emphasises how digital platforms affect democracy, rights, and data security. It raises the critical question of whether constitutional rights apply equally in the online realm.
In India, digital rights including online privacy, access to information, cybersecurity, and freedom of expression are inextricably linked to the Constitution. These are not merely technological challenges, but extensions of fundamental civil rights. This article examines India’s constitutional framework that protects digital rights.
World Telecommunication Day was first commemorated in 1969 to commemorate the anniversary of the International Telegraph Convention of 1865 and the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union. The day was formally recognised at the 1973 ITU conference in Málaga-Torremolinos, Spain, with Resolution No. 46.
Later in 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) emphasised the growing relevance of ICT. As a result, in 2006, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/60/252 designating May 17 as World Information Society Day.
As a result, during the 2006 ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Antalya, Turkey, it was decided to combine both observances, and May 17 has since been designated as World Telecommunication and Information Society Day globally.
After independence, India had a rudimentary telecom and information technology infrastructure, with basic services such as landline telephones, radio, and television dominating communication. The telecom sector saw a major transition in the 1990s, thanks to economic liberalisation and the entry of private businesses.
The emergence of mobile phones revolutionised communication in India, but a more drastic transformation occurred in 2016 when Reliance Jio released low-cost and fast 4G internet. This democratised internet access, kicking off a digital revolution across the country. As a result, services such as online transactions, e-commerce, digital education, social media, and telemedicine expanded rapidly.
The government of India’s Digital India plan seeks to digitally empower the country. It includes initiatives such as DigiLocker, which stores official papers online, Aadhaar-linked digital services, and the UMANG app, which allows remote access to a variety of government services. This project has also expanded digital services to rural India, enhancing daily living with e-learning, tele-healthcare, and online banking.
Article 19(1)(a) guarantees freedom of information and speech.
Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution guarantees all citizens the right to free speech and expression. This right now includes the ability to express oneself via social media, blogs, emails, videos, and other online venues. However, this independence entails duties. Misusing technology to disseminate misinformation, hatred, or inflict injury might result in legal ramifications. As a result, ethical and legal use is crucial.
Right to Privacy.
In 2017, the Supreme Court of India recognised privacy as a fundamental right under the Constitution. With personal data such as phone numbers, bank account information, social media profiles, and browsing history increasingly publicly available online, this right assures that individuals have control over their digital presence and may expect data security. It protects against cyber dangers such as data breach, surveillance, and identity theft.
Right to equality (Article 14)
Article 14 ensures equality before the law. In digital terms, this entails equal access to technology, internet services, and digital possibilities regardless of caste, religion, gender, socioeconomic status, or region. However, the digital divide, particularly between urban and rural India, remains a major issue. Thus, inclusive digital growth policies are required to ensure that no citizen falls behind in the digital domain.
Right to Life and Liberty (Article 21).
Article 21 guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which now includes digital safety, access to information, and online freedom. Cyberbullying, online harassment, threats, and hacking all constitute violations of this right. With more time spent online, digital safety has become critical to leading a secure and dignified existence.
Telecommunications and digital technology have altered modern life, and fundamental rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution now extend to the digital sphere, protecting access to information, free expression, and online safety.
According to Adv. Abdul Mulla, who provides legal views on platforms such as www.asmlegalservices.in and www.lifeandlaw.in, ethical digital involvement is vital. To reap the benefits of a truly egalitarian digital future, both citizens and institutions must adhere to digital ethics and inclusivity.
Adv. Abdul Mulla (Mob. No. 937 007 2022) is a seasoned legal professional with over 18 years of experience in advocacy, specializing in diverse areas of law, including Real Estate and Property Law, Matrimonial and Divorce Matters, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and Will and Succession Planning. read more….
Copyright BlazeThemes. 2025
