The Daily Fly-By

The government of India wants to punish people who even visit a blocked URL.   A new directive on the blocked websites says that the user will be fined up to 3,00,000 and will be imprisoned for 3 years under 1957 Copyright act.

It is for even viewing these websites where the content is hosted. So even if you are accessing any legal material through these websites, you'd be in trouble.

As usual and not to be surprized, the language of the warning is vague without any proper guidelines or announcement done by either Department of Telecommunications or the Government of India. According to the warning ‘viewing’, ‘downloading’, ‘exhibiting’ or ‘duplicating’ ‘an illicit copy of content under this URL’ is deemed as a punishable offence.

This puts a question in my mind, Downloading content like movies, How is that any different from borrowing a DVD from a friend ?  except in this case its online.

Source:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/You-may-face-3-years-jail-term-for-viewing-Torrent-website-in-India/articleshow/53805885.cms

The Message that appears on blocked sites.

"This URL has been blocked under the instructions of the Competent Government Authority or in compliance with the orders of a Court of competent jurisdiction. Viewing, downloading, exhibiting or duplicating an illicit copy of the contents of this URL is punishable as an offense under the laws of India, including but not limited to under Sections 63, 63-A, 65 and 65-A of the Copyright Act, 1957 which prescribe imprisonment for 3 years and also fine of up to Rs. 3,00,000/-. Any person aggrieved by any such blocking of this URL may contact at urlblock@tatacommunications.com who will, within 48 hours, provide you the details of relevant proceedings under which you can approach the relevant High Court or Authority for redressal of your grievance".

There was mix reactions as many users welcome the move, but majority, including me where not happy with such laws that is very harsh.  Also it was not clear what was the role of Tatacommunications in it.

Good news is that someone did more investigation on the issue and it appears you may not go to jail for visiting a blocked site. Here is what he wants to say about it.

http://gadgets.ndtv.com/internet/news/no-you-wont-go-to-jail-for-just-visiting-a-blocked-website-875479

Source

http://m.timesofindia.com/india/Worlds-first-leprosy-vaccine-developed-in-India-to-go-on-trial/articleshow/53788765.cms

ManageEngine, the real-time IT management company, today announced that it has been positioned by Gartner, Inc. for its log management and SIEM solution, Log360, in the 2016 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Security Information and Event Management. The company is the only new addition to the Gartner Magic Quadrant for SIEM.

Log360 is the one-stop solution for all log management and network security challenges. This solution offers real-time log collection, analysis, monitoring, correlating and archiving capabilities that help in protecting confidential data, thwarting internal security threats and combating external attacks. To help meet the most needed security, auditing and compliance demands, the solution comes packaged with 1,000+ predefined reports and alert criteria. For more information on Log360, visit  https://www.manageengine.com/log-management .

Bharti Airtel, today announced that customers purchasing Samsung Galaxy J series mobile device, can enjoy 10 GB Airtel 4G data at the price of 1GB 4G data. 

Available with most of the Samsung Galaxy J series devices, under the offer, new and existing Airtel prepaid users can avail 10GB of 4G data at a nominal cost of Rs. 250. To claim the offer, customers will simply have log on to www.offers.airtel.com from their new Samsung J series devices using Airtel mobile internet (not Wi-fi) and follow instructions. Users can also visit their nearest Airtel Retail outlets to upgrade to Airtel 4G and activate the offer. 

Commenting on the newly launched offer, Mr. Ajai Puri, Director – Market Operations, Bharti Airtel, said, “We are delighted to extend our association with the popular Samsung J series. We believe this partnership will help customers enjoy best-in-class smartphone experience on Airtel’s 4G network.”  

Airtel had previously introduced bundled Double Data offerings with top industry players like Apple, Xiaomi, Micromax, Intex and Lava as well. Users can visit www.airtel.in/handset-offers to avail active offers. 

*For non 4G markets– Samsung Galaxy J device users can avail 10GB 3G Airtel Data @ Rs. 250 (1GB 3G data + 9 GB night 3G data)  

Global professional services company Accenture on Thursday said it opened a cyber centre here to expand its global security presence and help organisations tackle complex security challenges.

Source:

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2016-04-21/news/72508633_1_cyber-security-challenges-security-solution-new-centre

Source:  http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/ites/tcs-features-in-uks-times-top-50-employers-for-women-list/articleshow/51925385.cms