Why in News ?

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India recommended the creation of a multi-stakeholder body (MSB) to ensure that Internet access providers adhere to the provisions of net neutrality. Net Neutrality Monitoring Body is debating topic since 2014. 

Multi-Stakeholder Body – Net Neutrality Monitoring Body

• The MSB could include telecom service providers, Internet service providers, content providers, researchers, academic and technical community, civil society organisations, and the government, should be set up as a non-profit entity.
• The MSB may also be responsible for investigate complaints regarding the violation of net neutrality.
• The MSB help DoT in maintenance of a repository of reasonable traffic management practices.

What is Net Neutrality ?

• The concept of net neutrality is that all data on the internet should be treated equally by internet service providers, and governments, regardless of content, user, platform, application or device.
  • All IPS providers should have equal access to all datas on the net speed to all traffic.
  • All websites or applications should be treated equally by TSPs
  • All applications should be allowed to be accessed at the same internet speed
  • All applications should be accessible for the same cost.
• History of India fight for Net Neutrality ?
  • Telecom operator Airtel was forced to withdraw a plan to charge extra for internet calls, and shut down a platform called Airtel Zero, which allowed customers to access a few mobile applications for free.
  • Some operators call this “toll-free data”, but it’s popularly known as zero rating.
  • Others, including Facebook and Google, were also forced to abandon their zero-rating platforms and deals.
  • The most visible casualty was Facebook’s Free Basics service, which offered Indians free access to a limited number of websites.
  • March 2015, the telecom regulator published a paper on net neutrality, triggering a million emails from the public
• Who are the stakeholders affected by the issue ?
  • The consumers of any internet service
  • The Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) or Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
  • The over-the-top (OTT) service providers
    • Those who provide internet access services such as websites and applications
  • The government, who may regulate and define relationships between these players.
• How is net neutrality regulated in India ?
  • At present, there are no specific legislation regarding Net Neutrality in India.
  • TRAI had barred telecom service providers from charging differential rates for data services.
  • India adopt of the November 2017 recommendations by the Telecom Regulatory Association of India (TRAI)
  • TRAI released its regulation “Prohibition of discriminatory tariffs for data services, Regulations, 2016.
  • TRAI provided to DoT its recommendations on ‘Net Neutrality’ dated 28.11.2017
• What is TRAI 2016 Regulations ?
  • no service provider is allowed to enter into any agreement or contract that would result in discriminatory tariffs charged on customer.
  • Such tariffs will only be permitted in closed electronic communications networks, which are networks where data is neither received nor transmitted over the internet,
  • Service provider may reduce tariff for accessing or providing emergency services.
  • Violators have to pay 50,000 per day of contravention, subject to a maximum of Rs 50 lakh.

Way Forward

Internet accessible and available to all without discrimination. Protection of net neutrality is critical for the success of its Rs. 1.13 lakh crore Digital India program as any sort of prioritizing, throttling or blocking of the Web would stifle the digital ecosystem in the country. Successful start-ups in the country under the Digital India initiative can only happen if the Internet is neutral. 

In order to launch a number of health, education and governance initiatives digitally in an attempt to deliver the essential services to all citizens. India has the third highest number of Internet users in the world, but Internet penetration is the lowest compared to the top 10 countries. 

Source : Indian Express

Topic

GS II : Policies and Developmental Studies

• Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

GS III : Science and Technology 

• Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights

Current Affairs Compilation for : 23 September 2020