India
IndiaWhat this score means
- Extreme75 to 100
- Severe and systematic. Device search, interception and detention over online activity are documented rather than theoretical. Reconsider what you carry and what you say.
- High50 to 74
- Substantial and consistently evidenced measures. Device inspection, monitored networks or restricted services should be expected rather than treated as unlikely.
- Caution25 to 49
- Some risk, and manageable with precautions. Measures are evidenced but are narrow, inconsistently applied, or the picture is mixed.
- Low0 to 24
- Ordinary precautions. No systematic device search, network restriction or prosecution of visitors for online speech is evidenced.
Government travel advice is written for one citizenry, so the same country carries a different assessment depending on your passport. Change it in the header.
Showing the baseline, which weights every issuer equally. No government in our corpus publishes travel advice written for you, so this is not addressed to you specifically.
For United Kingdom nationals: 73 (high). This leans on advice written for British nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between United Kingdom and this destination.For most passports in this region, India requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Europe nationals: 75 (extreme). This leans on advice written for German nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Europe and this destination.For most passports in this region, India requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 43 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For United States nationals: 75 (high). This leans on advice written for US nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between United States and this destination.For most passports in this region, India requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Canada nationals: 74 (high). This leans on advice written for Canadian nationals, and weights other issuers lower.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Canada and this destination.For most passports in this region, India requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 1 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Latin America and the Caribbean nationals: 74 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Latin America and the Caribbean, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Latin America and the Caribbean and this destination.For most passports in this region, India requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 33 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Africa nationals: 74 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Africa, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Africa and this destination.For most passports in this region, India requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 54 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Middle East nationals: 74 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Middle East, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Middle East and this destination.For most passports in this region, India requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 18 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For South Asia nationals: 74 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for South Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between South Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, India requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 13 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For East and South East Asia nationals: 74 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for East and South East Asia, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between East and South East Asia and this destination.For most passports in this region, India requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 19 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
For Oceania nationals: 74 (high). No government in our corpus writes travel advice for Oceania, so this starts from the neutral baseline and is then adjusted for the relationship below.Adjusted by 2 percent for the relationship between Oceania and this destination.For most passports in this region, India requires an electronic visa, applied for and vetted before travel. Summarised across 14 passports, which do not all face the same rule. Source.A sanctions regime is not a measure of cyber risk. It is used as a bounded proxy for the closer attention nationals of a sanctioning state are reported to receive on entry, and it can move a score by a limited amount in either direction, never replace it.
Dimensions
Each dimension is scored independently, because the traveller who cares about legal exposure for what they have posted is often not the one carrying client data. Higher means more risk.
Speech and legal exposure
What legal risk attaches to what I have said online, or say while I am there?
good confidence12 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 68% of full strength.
Why this score (24 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored IND 2 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
Freedom House 2026 scored IND 2 of 4 on free and independent media.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored IND 2.70 of 4 on how routinely the government censors political content on social media, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored IND 1.15 of 4 on how often people are arrested for political content they posted online, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
India - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2025-06-16 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for India: avoid_all_travel_to_parts.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-10-07 · written for GBR nationals
India: Exercise a high degree of caution
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-14 · written for CAN nationals
India (Indien): Teilreisewarnung: partial travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-14 · written for DEU nationals
Content is being taken down and blocked, accounts suspended, and posts shadow banned to curb free speech.
SFLC.in, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-07-25 · extracted by language model
The authorities persist in targeting activists, journalists, students and civil society through the misuse of draconian laws, arbitrary detention, censorship and the criminalisation of dissent.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-13 · extracted by language model
Thy also registered a criminal case against Javid Ahmad Khanday of Sazan Keegam, Shopian for sharing videos on social media.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-06-11 · extracted by language model
On 16th September 2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordered the removal of 138 YouTube videos and 83 Instagram posts, including content from independent news outlets and commentators, citing a New Delhi court order that barred “unverified, unsubstantiated and ex-facie defamatory” reports about Adani, one of India’s largest conglomerates.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-13 · extracted by language model
This week alone, the police filed cases against folk singer Neha Singh Rathore and university professor Madri Kakoti, accusing them of “endangering the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India” over posts critical of the government’s response.
Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-05-13 · extracted by language model
Sedition and anti-terror laws were used to criminalise journalists, comedians, academics and students exercising their right to freedom of expression.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-06-11 · extracted by language model
Since 2023, India has ramped up efforts to police the internet by allowing many more officials to file takedown orders and to submit them directly to tech firms through a government website launched in October.
Rappler, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-08-06 · extracted by language model
Contrary to this established framework, the Sahyog Portal currently allows Nodal Officers without a full procedure akin to Rules 8 and 9 of the 2009 Blocking Rules to issue takedown requests.
SFLC.in, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-09-29 · extracted by language model
An Indian court has dismissed a case filed by Elon Musk’s X against a government portal that it had argued was being used to arbitrarily censor content on the platform.
MyJoyOnline, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-09-25 · extracted by language model
After the event, a First Information Report (which initiates a potential criminal case) was filed against Kamra.
Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-07-29 · extracted by language model
The new section 152 of the BNS covers online and financial actions that “excites or attempts to excite, secession or armed rebellion or subversive activities, or encourages feelings of separatist activities or endangers sovereignty or unity and integrity of India”.
Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-12-11 · extracted by language model
Book bans, often enacted under Section 95 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), pose a significant challenge to the freedom of expression and intellectual diversity.
SFLC.in, via a site scoped search · observed 2023-12-14 · extracted by language model
Social media platforms were ordered to block dissenting voices.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-06-11 · extracted by language model
Kerala: TG Mohandas arrested over derogatory comments about NEET protesters
The GDELT Project, GDELT Global Knowledge Graph 2.1 · observed 2026-08-10 · extracted by language model
Arrested over retweeting post on PM, Hassan Siddiqui gets bail
The GDELT Project, GDELT Global Knowledge Graph 2.1 · observed 2026-08-10 · extracted by language model
Right-wing Commentator Arrested Over Controversial Protest Comments – Chennaionline
The GDELT Project, GDELT Global Knowledge Graph 2.1 · observed 2026-08-10 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
3 excluded sources
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-08-25: aged out after 3 years.
- Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-04-16: aged out after 3 years.
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-09-12: aged out after 3 years.
Connectivity continuity
How likely am I to lose access to the internet, or to the specific tools I depend on?
good confidence12 independent sources
Why this score (35 sources)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored IND 1.84 of 4 on how often the government shuts down domestic access to the internet, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored IND 1.74 of 4 on how routinely the government filters internet content in practice, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
OONI recorded 17,103 confirmed and 49,254 anomalous results across 1,011,784 web connectivity measurements in IND over the 30 days to 2026-10-16, a confirmed blocking rate of 1.69 percent.
Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data · observed 2026-10-16
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting India in the 7 days to 2026-10-16, with an aggregate disruption score of 2,810.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-16
India - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2025-06-16 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for India: avoid_all_travel_to_parts.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-10-07 · written for GBR nationals
India: Exercise a high degree of caution
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-14 · written for CAN nationals
India (Indien): Teilreisewarnung: partial travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-14 · written for DEU nationals
Internet shutdowns are cutting off communication.
SFLC.in, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-07-25 · extracted by language model
At the heart of the Act are several key provisions that have sparked considerable discussion and debate.
SFLC.in, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-01-02 · extracted by language model
There have been reports of media restrictions, internet shutdowns, blocking of social media accounts and bans on VPNs in Jammu & Kashmir.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-13 · extracted by language model
Telecommunication service providers reportedly received orders to shut down mobile internet services in parts of central Delhi on 20th July 2026.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-08-18 · extracted by language model
In March 2026, authorities throttled mobile internet and suspended mobile connectivity.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-06-11 · extracted by language model
Web versions of the apps must automatically sign users out at regular intervals, at least every six hours, requiring repeated QR-code authentication.
The Record feed · observed 2025-12-02 · extracted by language model
A 24-hour mobile internet shutdown was ordered in central Delhi covering a 4km radius around the protest sites.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-10-11 · extracted by language model
Police in New Delhi used tear gas, batons, and internet shutdowns against largely peaceful student-led protests on July 20 🧵⤵️https://t.co/cKRKQ8gR2T
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-08-18 · extracted by language model
Other disturbing responses have included violence used against some protesters, the prohibition of protests near the parliament building in Delhi and the use of internet shutdowns being deployed in areas where demonstrations were planned to start on Monday.
Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-07-24 · extracted by language model
Social media accounts of major Pakistani and Kashmiri news organisations have been blocked , including 8,000 accounts on X , and dozens of Pakistani YouTube channels.
Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-05-13 · extracted by language model
India has temporarily blocked the Telegram app over concerns it may be used for cheating, days before a crucial medical entrance exam is set to be reheld.
MyJoyOnline, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-06-16 · extracted by language model
Social media platforms were ordered to block dissenting voices.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-06-11 · extracted by language model
The warnings came amid a series of takedown orders in early 2026, including the blocking of a satirical video that mimicked the Prime Minister, and an order to a social media platform to block a number of accounts under the IT Act.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-06-11 · extracted by language model
On 8th December 2025, the State Government of Odisha imposed a suspension of telecommunication services along with an express prohibition on the use of social media platforms.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-13 · extracted by language model
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting India in the 7 days to 2026-10-03, with an aggregate disruption score of 8,934.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-03
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting India in the 7 days to 2026-10-02, with an aggregate disruption score of 20,805.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-02
IODA detected 3 internet outage events affecting India in the 7 days to 2026-10-01, with an aggregate disruption score of 32,265.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-10-01
IODA detected 4 internet outage events affecting India in the 7 days to 2026-09-30, with an aggregate disruption score of 35,906.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-30
IODA detected 4 internet outage events affecting India in the 7 days to 2026-09-29, with an aggregate disruption score of 35,906.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-29
IODA detected 4 internet outage events affecting India in the 7 days to 2026-09-28, with an aggregate disruption score of 35,906.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-28
IODA detected 4 internet outage events affecting India in the 7 days to 2026-09-27, with an aggregate disruption score of 35,906.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-27
IODA detected 3 internet outage events affecting India in the 7 days to 2026-09-26, with an aggregate disruption score of 26,972.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-26
IODA detected 2 internet outage events affecting India in the 7 days to 2026-09-25, with an aggregate disruption score of 15,102.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-25
IODA detected 1 internet outage event affecting India in the 7 days to 2026-09-24, with an aggregate disruption score of 3,641.
Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis · observed 2026-09-24
On 16th September 2025, the Indian authorities blocked over 300 additional social media accounts in Indian Administered Jammu & Kashmir.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-13 · extracted by language model
Authorities reportedly suspended mobile internet services and blocked around 8,000 social media accounts, including those of journalists and independent media outlets.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-13 · extracted by language model
Authorities also suspended mobile internet services in parts of central Delhi, leaving many without reliable access to messaging apps or social media.
MyJoyOnline, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-07-20 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
9 excluded sources
- Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search, observed 2023-07-01: aged out after 3 years.
- Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-04-16: aged out after 3 years.
- SFLC.in, via a site scoped search, observed 2024-04-12: aged out after 3 years.
- SFLC.in, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-10-16: aged out after 3 years.
- Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-09-27: aged out after 3 years.
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-09-12: aged out after 3 years.
- Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-08-21: aged out after 3 years.
- SFLC.in, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-11-22: aged out after 3 years.
- Reporters Without Borders, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-09-05: aged out after 3 years.
Network threat
How hostile is the network environment to a foreign visitor, from state actors and criminals alike?
good confidence10 independent sources
Why this score (11 sources)
ITU Global Cybersecurity Index 2024, Technical pillar: 20.00 of 20.
International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index · observed 2024-12-31
Freedom House scored India 15 of 25 on obstacles to access in Freedom on the Net, a category covering state control over internet infrastructure and gateways, regulatory and ownership control over service providers, and the independence of the regulator.
Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access · observed 2025-01-01
These latest warnings build on repeated instances of cyber intrusion and spyware usage, and highlights the surveillance impunity in India that continues to flourish despite the public outcry triggered by the 2019 Pegasus Project revelations.
Schneier on Security feed · observed 2023-11-02 · extracted by language model
Nearly 102,000 cybercrime cases were registered in 2024, the latest year for which federal data has been published, up by 18% from the previous year.
MyJoyOnline, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-07-02 · extracted by language model
A few weeks ago, Tata Electronics identified a cybersecurity incident on some of our systems.
Rappler, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-06-23 · extracted by language model
On the night of 8 November, Rana Ayyub received over "200 calls and obscene messages,” as she told RSF, just a few minutes after @HPhobiaWatch, an account on the social media platform X, published Rana Ayyub's personal telephone number, encouraging his followers to harass her.
Reporters Without Borders, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-12-02 · extracted by language model
Oplichting via internet, e-mail en datingsites komt veel voor in en vanuit India.
Our translation: Scams via the internet, email and dating sites are very common in and from India.
Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Reisadvies · observed 2026-10-16 · written for NLD nationals · extracted by language model
Oplichting via internet, e-mail en datingsites komt veel voor in en vanuit India.
Our translation: Scams via the internet, email and dating sites are very common in and from India.
Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Reisadvies · observed 2026-10-16 · written for NLD nationals · extracted by language model
インドのATMの利用・操作に不慣れな外国人に親切心を装って近づき、実際に操作しながら利用方法を教えてカードの暗証番号を聞き出し、一連の処理が終わった後にカードを偽物とすり替え、本物のカードと暗証番号を使って現金を引き出す事例が発生しています。
Our translation: There have been cases in which people approach foreigners unfamiliar with using and operating ATMs while pretending to be helpful, ask for their card PIN while showing them how to use the ATM, replace the card with a fake one after the process is complete, and withdraw cash using the real card and PIN.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas travel safety information · observed 2026-10-16 · written for JPN nationals · extracted by language model
Tata Electronics said on Monday it had detected a recent "cybersecurity incident", after researchers said World Leaks posted purported component design and specification papers of Apple and Tesla, both customers of the Indian group.
Khaleej Times, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-06-22 · extracted by language model
TGCSB busts cybercrime network, 21 women telecallers held in Delhi
The GDELT Project, GDELT Global Knowledge Graph 2.1 · observed 2026-08-10 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Surveillance and interception
How comprehensively are communications intercepted, retained, and monitored, and is commercial spyware in use?
good confidence11 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 49% of full strength.
Why this score (18 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored IND 2 of 4 on freedom to express personal views on sensitive topics without fear of surveillance or retribution.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored IND 1.77 of 4 on how comprehensively the government monitors social media and private online communication, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored IND 2.15 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer. This measures what privacy law permits rather than what monitoring is practised, so it is read here as a constraint on interception rather than a measurement of it.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
The World Justice Project Rule of Law Index 2025 scored IND 0.39 of 1 on whether freedom from arbitrary interference with privacy is effectively guaranteed, a measure built from expert assessments of warrantless interception of communications.
World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6 · observed 2025-01-01
Surveillance is also increasing, with reports that the Delhi Police is monitoring protesters and journalists using body-worn cameras, camcorders, smart AI glasses, permanent towers for videographers, and facial recognition CCTV.
SFLC.in, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-07-25 · extracted by language model
All such safeguards have been removed from the current Act.
SFLC.in, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-01-02 · extracted by language model
Journalists across the country have faced growing intimidation through raids, surveillance, arrests, censorship and digital shutdowns.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-13 · extracted by language model
A new tax law in India that grants authorities sweeping powers to access emails, cloud accounts, and encrypted devices during searches has generated widespread concern among journalists and digital rights advocates, while adding to a raft of tax legislation around the world that could be weaponized against the media.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-09-18 · extracted by language model
Its vast and pervasive deployment across various States, industries, sectors and for varying purposes is an ode to its versatility and effectiveness.
SFLC.in, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-01-16 · extracted by language model
The law empowers the central government to ask any entity that processes data—including journalists, news organizations, and social media companies—to hand over information, “thereby converting every private company into an instrument of surveillance,” according to DIGIPUB News India Foundation , an association of journalists working in digital medi
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2023-08-25 · extracted by language model
India has dropped plans to require smartphone makers to pre-install a government-backed “cyber safety” app on all new devices, following criticism over surveillance concerns.
The Record feed · observed 2025-12-03 · extracted by language model
Since 2019, when the Indian government revoked the special autonomous status granted to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Indian constitution, censorship and surveillance have become rife.
Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-05-13 · extracted by language model
The rise of AI-enabled monitoring, such as facial recognition systems at railway stations and predictive policing technologies used by police across different cities, has continued largely without sufficient legal protections, raising concerns about human rights, privacy, dignity, and civil liberties.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2026-04-24 · extracted by language model
"Government has decided not to make the pre-installation mandatory for mobile manufacturers," India's communications ministry said in a press statement.
The Daily Star (Bangladesh), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-12-04 · extracted by language model
At the same time, journalists are being forced to defend themselves on the digital front with an escalation in social media trolling, online harassment, cyberbullying, and digital surveillance.
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-03-07 · extracted by language model
These expansive powers – which Human Rights Watch cites as “enabling state surveillance” – allows the government to censor virtually any content it labels as “disinformation”, “objectionable” or “anti-national”.
Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search · observed 2023-09-27 · extracted by language model
Supposedly to maintain security of the summit location, Delhi Police installed 500 security cameras at the international exhibition centre and turned central Delhi into a “digital fortress” with more than 4,000 AI‑enabled cameras deployed across the city.
Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search · observed 2026-04-24 · extracted by language model
India has no law governing the use of facial recognition technology by police, and surveillance at the main protest site in New Delhi was a breach of the law, activists say.
The Straits Times feed · observed 2026-07-28 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
2 excluded sources
- Middle East Eye, via a site scoped search, observed 2023-12-28: aged out after 3 years.
- Schneier on Security feed, observed 2023-11-02: aged out after 3 years.
Encryption and VPN legality
Are VPNs and strong encryption lawful, and can I be required to install an application or hand over keys?
good confidence7 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 70% of full strength.
Why this score (10 sources)
Widespread restrictions. Limitations exist on the use of strong encryption in India as internet service providers may not deploy “bulk encryption” on their networks, and users cannot use encryption with greater 40-bit key length without prior permission. The law provides central and state governments the power to direct any agency to intercept, monitor or decrypt, or cause to be intercepted, monitored or decrypted any information transmitted, received or stored through any computer resources and requires any "subscriber or intermediaries" to provide technical assistance necessary to decrypt information, without adequa
Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption Laws and Policies · observed 2019-06-01
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored IND 0.89 of 4 on whether the government regulates the internet in a way consistent with international human rights standards, where higher is freer. This does not establish whether encryption or VPN use is lawful. It measures internet regulation in general, and is used as indirect evidence because the only survey that reads encryption law directly was published in 2019.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
OONI confirmed blocking on 362 of 134,943 measurements of anonymity and censorship circumvention tools in IND over the 90 days to 2026-10-16, a confirmed blocking rate of 0.27 percent, with 5,794 further results inconclusive.
Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data · observed 2026-10-16
There have been reports of media restrictions, internet shutdowns, blocking of social media accounts and bans on VPNs in Jammu & Kashmir.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-13 · extracted by language model
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has imposed an ex-parte ban on the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) in parts of the Union territory, citing threat to national security and apprehensions of “incitement to unrest”.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-13 · extracted by language model
At least six districts – four in Kashmir valley and two in Jammu region – banned the use of the VPNs in December 2025 by invoking Section 163 of the BNSS which grants extraordinary powers to the executive magistrates to issue “urgent orders to prevent nuisance or danger”.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-01-13 · extracted by language model
Last week, New Delhi directed manufacturers — including Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi — to install the Sanchar Saathi app on all new handsets within 90 days and ensure it cannot be removed.
The Record feed · observed 2025-12-02 · extracted by language model
India has dropped plans to require smartphone makers to pre-install a government-backed “cyber safety” app on all new devices, following criticism over surveillance concerns.
The Record feed · observed 2025-12-03 · extracted by language model
Government has decided not to make the pre-installation mandatory for mobile manufacturers,” India's communications ministry said in a press statement.
The Daily Star (Bangladesh), via a site scoped search · observed 2025-12-04 · extracted by language model
India’s digital rights landscape faced a fresh flashpoint in April 2025 when the Karnataka High Court directed the Central government to block Proton Mail, a Switzerland-based end-to-end encrypted email service.
SFLC.in, via a site scoped search · observed 2026-01-16 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Data jurisdiction
What happens to corporate or client data I carry into the jurisdiction?
good confidence4 independent sourcesEvidence is ageing: contributing sources are weighted at 48% of full strength.
Why this score (6 sources)
V-Dem Digital Society Project 2025 scored IND 2.15 of 4 on how far privacy protection law shields communications from government access, where higher is freer.
V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project · observed 2025-12-31
The law empowers the central government to ask any entity that processes data—including journalists, news organizations, and social media companies—to hand over information, “thereby converting every private company into an instrument of surveillance,” according to DIGIPUB News India Foundation , an association of journalists working in digital medi
Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search · observed 2023-08-25 · extracted by language model
These include conducting annual Data Protection Impact Assessments and obtaining government approval for cross-border data transfers.
SFLC.in, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-01-15 · extracted by language model
No similar obligation exists under Indian law.
SFLC.in, via a site scoped search · observed 2024-07-09 · extracted by language model
The notice cites Section 43F of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), India’s main counterterrorism law, which compels individuals and organisations to release information requested by an investigating officer, and carries a penalty of up to three years in prison for non-compliance.
CIVICUS Monitor country updates · observed 2026-06-11 · extracted by language model
Significant Data Fiduciaries need to undertake measures to ensure that personal data specified by the Central Government is processed subject to the restriction that the personal data and the traffic data pertaining to its flow is not transferred outside the territory of India.
SFLC.in, via a site scoped search · observed 2025-03-13 · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Border device risk
How likely is my device to be searched, imaged, or seized at the border, and can I be compelled to unlock it?
good confidence5 independent sources
Why this score (7 sources)
Freedom House 2026 scored IND 1 of 4 on due process in civil and criminal matters.
Freedom House, Freedom in the World · observed 2026-01-01
India - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
US Department of State, Travel Advisories · observed 2025-06-16 · written for USA nationals
FCDO advice for India: avoid_all_travel_to_parts.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-10-07 · written for GBR nationals
India: Exercise a high degree of caution
Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories · observed 2026-10-14 · written for CAN nationals
India (Indien): Teilreisewarnung: partial travel warning in force
Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise · observed 2026-10-14 · written for DEU nationals
A number of British nationals have been arrested or detained for bringing satellite phones and other satellite-enabled navigational devices into the country without prior permission.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-10-07 · written for GBR nationals · extracted by language model
A number of British nationals have been arrested or detained for bringing satellite phones and other satellite-enabled navigational devices into the country without prior permission.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice · observed 2026-07-09 · written for GBR nationals · extracted by language model
Report an inaccuracy (corrections need a link to the reporting, statute or research that shows it).
Trend
The overall score is up 12.4 points over 61 days, from 60.1 to 72.5. Most movement is the event overlay decaying rather than anything happening: a news signal loses half its weight every three weeks, so a score drifts back toward its structural baseline on its own. A step that holds is the one worth reading.
Check this yourself
These are not inputs to the score for India. They are where to look if you want to test what is above against something we did not use.
- OONI ExplorerMeasured tests of website and app blocking, updated continuously by volunteers running probes in country. Not used in our scores: its licence forbids commercial use.
- IODA outage recordThe full outage history behind any continuity events shown above, including the measurement methods that detected them.
- FCDO travel adviceThe UK government view, written for UK nationals.
- US State Department travel advisoriesThe US government view, written for US nationals.
Sources
This assessment draws on 28 sources: Auswärtiges Amt, Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise; CIVICUS Monitor country updates; Committee to Protect Journalists, via a site scoped search; Freedom House, Freedom in the World; Freedom House, Freedom on the Net, obstacles to access; Georgia Tech Internet Intelligence Lab, Internet Outage Detection and Analysis; Global Affairs Canada, Travel advice and advisories; Global Partners Digital, World Map of Encryption Laws and Policies; Global Voices (Advox), via a site scoped search; Index on Censorship, via a site scoped search; International Telecommunication Union, Global Cybersecurity Index; Khaleej Times, via a site scoped search; Ministerie van Buitenlandse Zaken, Reisadvies; Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Overseas travel safety information; MyJoyOnline, via a site scoped search; Open Observatory of Network Interference, OONI measurement data; Rappler, via a site scoped search; Reporters Without Borders, via a site scoped search; Schneier on Security feed; SFLC.in, via a site scoped search; The Daily Star (Bangladesh), via a site scoped search; The GDELT Project, GDELT Global Knowledge Graph 2.1; The Record feed; The Straits Times feed; UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Foreign travel advice; US Department of State, Travel Advisories; V-Dem Institute, University of Gothenburg, Digital Society Project; World Justice Project, Rule of Law Index, sub-factor 4.6. Every contributing claim is quoted with its origin and date above. Model version 0.12.0, computed 2026-10-16.
If something here is wrong, say so. Corrections are handled in public, and we correct because the evidence is wrong, not because someone objects.