A newly formed organization Indian Netizens and Internet Entrepreneurs Welfare Association (INIEWA), which aim to save India’s net neutrality and other internet interests has sent a legal notice to Department of Telecommunications (DoT) seeking a ban of the zero-rating plans like Airtel Zero and internet.org.
According to the organization, the telecom operators are obliged to provide unrestricted access to internet based on their license claim. The organization has demanded DoT to take action with 10 days of the receiving the notice, failing which it has announced its plan to approach the judiciary.
The notice adds another twist to the country’s rage on net neutrality. DoT is currently in its process to formulate policy on net neutrality. TRAI is also on the process of creating recommendations on the regulations to be implemented on OTT services and net neutrality. The deadline for providing the counter comments for its consultation paper published on its website was May 8.
INIEWA is a non-profit association headed by Varun Bajaj, one amongst the few internet specialized lawyers in India. The association promises to take action against any policy initiative, legal initiative, or any other issues that can potentially harm India’s internet interest. More details about the organization can be availed from their website.