The administration in Jammu and Kashmir allowed citizens to access social media (AP, file photo used for repre... Read More

SRINAGAR: For the first time after the nullification of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, the Union territory administration on Wednesday allowed citizens access to social media. Though 2G mobile internet services were restored in Kashmir from January 25, this is the first time in seven months that access has been given to social media platforms.

However, the access is only on 2G mobile data services and fixed line internet provided by private players. Fixed line internet services by BSNL are yet to be operational. Moreover, the access to the websites, including social media platforms, will be given till March 17, according to a notification of J&K home department.

Communication links in the Union territory were snapped on August 5 last year when the Centre ended the special status enjoyed by J&K. Phone links were restored in the subsequent months and on January 25, access only to 300 white-listed sites (including websites related to emails, banking, education, jobs, travel, entertainment etc) was restored for a week. This was periodically extended. The fresh order by the home department came hours before the previous extension was set to expire on Wednesday midnight.

“Internet access across the Union Territory with internet speed restricted to 2G only and internet connectivity with MAC-binding to continue till 17 March, 2020. The directions to remain in force unless modified earlier. While the postpaid SIM card holders shall continue to be provided access to the internet, these services shall not be made available on prepaid SIM cards unless verified as per norms applicable for postpaid connections,” said the order, issued by J&K principal secretary (home) Shaleen Kabra.

The order was issued after assessing the reports of law enforcing agencies and the impact of telecom services regulation on the overall security situation.

About fixed line internet connectivity, Kabra said it would continue to be made available with MAC-binding, which essentially means to make a client machine work from a particular internet protocol (IP) address.

“It is further directed that the access/communication facilities provided by the government, viz e-terminals/internet kiosks apart from special arrangements for tourists, students, traders, etc. shall continue,” Kabra said.

Kabra asked the police chiefs of Jammu and Kashmir divisions to communicate the home department’s directions to service providers and ensure implementation with immediate effect.

While continuing the ban on social media, authorities had last month said that anti-national elements and people across the border were “misusing” these networking sites allowing peer-to-peer communication and virtual private networks (VPNs). Internet service providers (ISPs) were asked to ensure access to 1,674 white-listed sites only and not to any social media applications.

(With agency inputs from Jammu)

