The law came into effect in October amid concern among rights groups and opposition politicians that it could be used to silence criticism of the government ahead of a general election expected within months.
The government has denied such suggestions saying the law, the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act , only tackles falsehoods and that legitimate criticism and free speech would not be affected. “The first few Pofma actions appear to have been issued against individuals that are either politicians or affiliated with political parties, or political parties.
“I would say that that is a convergence, some might say an unfortunate convergence, or coincidence,” S. Iswaran, minister of communications and information, told parliament. — Reuters