Partial ban on mobile apps instead of internet ban

About Internet Shutdowns: 

• • It is the suspension of internet services in a given area. 

• Methods:  Blocking particular websites, decreasing the speed of the internet, fully blocking internet connection.

Instances of Internet Shutdown: 

• States like Manipur, Jammu & Kashmir saw internet shutdowns due to law and order disturbances.

Why does TRAI want selective banning: 

• • Economic losses:  Many industries like e-commerce are dependent on the internet. A complete shutdown creates huge economic losses. 

• Essential services disruption: Services like Banking, education, and healthcare get disrupted, impacting the daily lives of citizens. 

• Parliamentary Standing Committee: It suggested that a targeted restriction of particular websites or apps would be a more successful strategy than enacting a total ban on the Internet.

• Users Bypassing through VPN: Many users are able to  bypass the shutdowns by using VPN services.

Why in news?

• The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is considering having selective app bans instead of internet shutdowns.