J&K lifts ban on social media

Exactly seven months after a complete communication blackout as part of security lockdown ahead of abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution threw life out of gear in Jammu and Kashmir, the authorities on Wednesday apparently lifted ban on the use of social media by people in the Union Territory.

However, the curbs on highspeed 3G and 4G Internet services have been extended till March 17.

As regards service to prepaid SIMs card, the service providers have been asked to provide access only after SIMs are “verified as per norms applicable to post-paid connections.”

The 2G which is synonymous to slow internet was earlier restricted to 1,674 white-listed websites approved by the government.

The service providers were in a series of orders issued by the Home Department from time to time not to allow access to any social media applications allowing peer-topeer communication and Virtual Private Network (VPN) applications.

There is no such mention in the latest order issued by Principal Secretary, Home Department, Shaleen Kabra, in winter capital Jammu on Wednesday.

The order, however, says “in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State (read Union Territory) and for maintaining public order” the internet speed will continue to be restricted to 2G only. “While the post-paid SIM card holders shall continue to be provided access to the internet, these services shall not be made available on pre-paid SIM cards unless verified as per the norms applicable for post-paid connections,” the order adds.