Expert criticizes Indian Internet blockades in the wake of ethnic violence and revenge rumours

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

NEW DELHI — A top Internet expert says the Indian government’s attempts to block social media accounts and websites that it blames for spreading panic have been inept and possibly illegal.

Earlier this month, thousands of people from the country’s northeast began fleeing cities in southern and western India, as rumours swirled that they would be attacked in retaliation for violence against Muslims in their home state.

Last weekend, the government said the rumours were fed by gory images — said to be of murdered Muslims — that were actually manipulated photos of people killed in natural disasters. Officials then began blocking hundreds of Internet links, fearing more violence.

Pranesh Prakash, of The Center for Internet and Society, said the government went overboard in its reaction, which he said may also be illegal.

06:31ET 24-08-12