In an order issued by&nbsp;Department of Telecommunications (DoT), India has asked all the internet service providers (ISPs) to block the file-sharing website WeTransfer.

A partial block is already in place. The order was issued in the "interest of national security or public interest".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-indias-cases-nearly-2-lakh-icmr-conducts-more-than-1-lakh-tests-302270">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: India's cases nearly 2 lakh; ICMR conducts more than 1 lakh tests</a>

While there is no specific reason mentioned in the order, dated May 18, the order does invoke a clause&nbsp;from conditions laid out for granting licences to ISPs.

The order has been issued under&nbsp;Licence Condition No. 7.12 of Chapter IX of the licence agreement, that states “In the interest of national security or public interest, the licensee shall block internet sites/uniform resource locators (URLs)/uniform resource identifiers (URIs) and/or individual subscribers, as identified and directed by the licensor from time to time.”

Under the agreement, the condition has to be agreed upon by all telecom and internet service providers in India.

"At this moment in time, WeTransfer seems to be blocked and unavailable in India," WeTransfer said in a blog post.

"We are working hard to understand the reasoning behind this block, as well as how to get it reverted as soon as possible."

Questions are being raised on this ban, as Vodafone customers are not being able to access the website, but few Airtel and broadband customers have been able to log in to their accounts. DoT has not issued a statement regarding this.

The ban has come at a time when majority Indians are working from home due to the nationwide lockdown imposed by the Indian government to contain the spread of novel coronavirus.

(With inputs from Reuters)

In an order issued by Department of Telecommunications (DoT), India has asked all the internet service providers (ISPs) to block the file-sharing website WeTransfer.

In an order issued by Department of Telecommunications (DoT), India has asked all the internet service providers (ISPs) to block the file-sharing website WeTransfer. A partial block is already in place. The order was issued in the "interest of national security or public interest". Also read: COVID 19: India's cases nearly 2 lakh; ICMR conducts more than 1 lakh tests While there is no specific reason mentioned in the order, dated May 18, the order does invoke a clause from conditions laid out for granting licences to ISPs. The order has been issued under Licence Condition No. 7.12 of Chapter IX of the licence agreement, that states “In the interest of national security or public interest, the licensee shall block internet sites/uniform resource locators (URLs)/uniform resource identifiers (URIs) and/or individual subscribers, as identified and directed by the licensor from time to time.” Under the agreement, the condition has to be agreed upon by all telecom and internet service providers in India. "At this moment in time, WeTransfer seems to be blocked and unavailable in India," WeTransfer said in a blog post. "We are working hard to understand the reasoning behind this block, as well as how to get it reverted as soon as possible." Questions are being raised on this ban, as Vodafone customers are not being able to access the website, but few Airtel and broadband customers have been able to log in to their accounts. DoT has not issued a statement regarding this. The ban has come at a time when majority Indians are working from home due to the nationwide lockdown imposed by the Indian government to contain the spread of novel coronavirus. (With inputs from Reuters)

India asks internet service providers to block WeTransfer citing national security

Telecom major Bharti Airtel on Saturday said that it has deposited an additional Rs 8,004 crore towards adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues to the Department of Telecommunication (DoT), aggregating to a total payment of Rs 18,004 crore, and therefore complying with the Supreme Court judgment in the matter.

"The company has paid an additional amount of Rs 3,004 crore towards the full and final amounts due over and above the ad-hoc amount of Rs 10,000 crore paid on Feb 17, 2020, on behalf of the Bharti Group of Companies," said an official statement on Saturday.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/bharti-airtel-can-pay-5-billion-agr-wont-affect-credit-quality-says-moodys-282927"> Bharti Airtel can pay $5 billion AGR, won't affect credit quality, says Moody's</a>

"In addition to the aforesaid amounts paid on the basis our self-assessment, we have also deposited an additional amount of Rs 5,000 crore as an ad-hoc payment (subject to subsequent refund/adjustment) to cover differences, if any, arising from the reconciliation exercise with the DoT," it added.

The telco said that in line with the AGR judgment and various directions issued by the DoT with respect to Spectrum Usage Charges, the company carried out self-assessment from FY 2006-07 onwards up to December 31, 2019, and interest thereon up to February 29, 2020.Airtel said that the company has now complied with the Supreme Court judgement dated October 24, 2019, which directed telecommunication companies to deposit the AGR dues summing up to Rs 1.47 lakh crore to the government within a period of three months.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/airtel-pays-statutory-dues-worth-rs10000-crore-after-supreme-courts-stern-orders-281089">Airtel pays statutory dues worth ₹10,000 crore after Supreme Court's stern orders</a>

Telecom major Bharti Airtel on Saturday said that it has deposited an additional Rs 8,004 crore towards adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues to the Department of Telecommunication (DoT), aggregating to a total payment of Rs 18,004 crore, and therefore complying with the Supreme Court judgment in the matter.

Telecom major Bharti Airtel on Saturday said that it has deposited an additional Rs 8,004 crore towards adjusted gross revenue (AGR) dues to the Department of Telecommunication (DoT), aggregating to a total payment of Rs 18,004 crore, and therefore complying with the Supreme Court judgment in the matter. "The company has paid an additional amount of Rs 3,004 crore towards the full and final amounts due over and above the ad-hoc amount of Rs 10,000 crore paid on Feb 17, 2020, on behalf of the Bharti Group of Companies," said an official statement on Saturday. Also read: Bharti Airtel can pay $5 billion AGR, won't affect credit quality, says Moody's "In addition to the aforesaid amounts paid on the basis our self-assessment, we have also deposited an additional amount of Rs 5,000 crore as an ad-hoc payment (subject to subsequent refund/adjustment) to cover differences, if any, arising from the reconciliation exercise with the DoT," it added. The telco said that in line with the AGR judgment and various directions issued by the DoT with respect to Spectrum Usage Charges, the company carried out self-assessment from FY 2006-07 onwards up to December 31, 2019, and interest thereon up to February 29, 2020.Airtel said that the company has now complied with the Supreme Court judgement dated October 24, 2019, which directed telecommunication companies to deposit the AGR dues summing up to Rs 1.47 lakh crore to the government within a period of three months. Also see: Airtel pays statutory dues worth ₹10,000 crore after Supreme Court's stern orders

Airtel deposits another Rs 8,000 crore towards AGR dues in compliance with SC order

The Indian telecom industry is under duress after the Supreme Court came down heavily on telecom companies for not paying dues on time to the government.

The judges accused the telcos of "contempt of court". Even the telecom department officials were rebuked.

Now, three telecom companies must pay a very heavy bill together worth Rupees one lakh crore.&nbsp;

Here's all you need to know about the consequences of the ruling:&nbsp;

<img alt="telecom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="946f8642-b077-4f3e-99dd-727b835c255c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WHO_OWES_WHAT01.jpg" />

The telecom industry is reeling under the slam of the Supreme Court's gavel. Two top telecom companies must pay up a total of 85,000 crore rupees in dues to the government. The order will have severe economic consequences.

Vodafone Idea could shut down, causing over 13,000 people to lose their jobs. The number could be higher if we include all those who run "recharge shops" across the country. Plus, the mobile bill of customers may shoot up.&nbsp;

<img alt="telecom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7595bcda-9899-49d8-a5e5-1df1a2b25f94" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WHO_OWES_WHAT02.jpg" />

Consumers may have to pay substantially more for their mobile data packs and voice calls because of the stress.

The top court had set a January 23 as the deadline. It has pulled up the government for not enforcing the deadline.

Another telecom giant, Bharti Airtel, owes Rupees 35,000 crore, while Vodafone Idea owes over 50,000 crores.&nbsp;

<img alt="telecom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a10139cf-b27e-4769-8b4b-4f5953725ea9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SC_DIRECTIVE01.jpg" />

The companies must pay the sum by March 17.&nbsp;

The telecom giants have paid some of the money and have sought more time for the rest.

But why do these companies have to pay such massive dues?&nbsp;

<img alt="telecom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="24989933-83c8-4200-a37a-0c0eedb5c057" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SC_DIRECTIVE02.jpg" />

The legal conflict is around 14 years old. The dispute is over the definition of revenue. The worst-hit is Vodafone Idea which is saddled with mounting losses and debt and owes the biggest chunk to the government. The company says it will collapse if the government does not give any relief.

The collapse of Vodafone Idea would make it the third bankruptcy of a local mobile carrier in two years after that of Aircel and Rcom.

It all started with the arrival of Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio, which slashed the existing mobile data prices to an extent that India today offers the world's cheapest mobile data packs.

&nbsp;<img alt="telecom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e0b486e-9b05-4f7b-8fb8-9454b0902ace" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SC_DIRECTIVE03.jpg" />

Once Jio did it, others had to follow thus dipping their hands to the bottom of their coffers to stay competitive.

Meanwhile, data-hungry Indian consumers became more demanding, pushing the companies into a data war.&nbsp;

<img alt="telecom" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="982e6a09-df78-4902-8692-a40dfc0cc77d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/SC_DIRECTIVE04_UPDATED.SLIDE_.jpg" />

The Supreme Court ruling will change all this.&nbsp;

In order to pay the dues, telecom operators could raise the tariffs by 25 to 30 per cent by the end of the year.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
So, young India will now begin to feel the pinch, as they begin to shell out more for less data.

The Indian telecom industry is under duress after the Supreme Court came down heavily on telecom companies for not paying dues on time to the government. The judges accused the telcos of "contempt of court".

The Indian telecom industry is under duress after the Supreme Court came down heavily on telecom companies for not paying dues on time to the government. The judges accused the telcos of "contempt of court". Even the telecom department officials were rebuked. Now, three telecom companies must pay a very heavy bill together worth Rupees one lakh crore. Here's all you need to know about the consequences of the ruling: The telecom industry is reeling under the slam of the Supreme Court's gavel. Two top telecom companies must pay up a total of 85,000 crore rupees in dues to the government. The order will have severe economic consequences. Vodafone Idea could shut down, causing over 13,000 people to lose their jobs. The number could be higher if we include all those who run "recharge shops" across the country. Plus, the mobile bill of customers may shoot up. Consumers may have to pay substantially more for their mobile data packs and voice calls because of the stress. The top court had set a January 23 as the deadline. It has pulled up the government for not enforcing the deadline. Another telecom giant, Bharti Airtel, owes Rupees 35,000 crore, while Vodafone Idea owes over 50,000 crores. The companies must pay the sum by March 17. The telecom giants have paid some of the money and have sought more time for the rest. But why do these companies have to pay such massive dues? The legal conflict is around 14 years old. The dispute is over the definition of revenue. The worst-hit is Vodafone Idea which is saddled with mounting losses and debt and owes the biggest chunk to the government. The company says it will collapse if the government does not give any relief. The collapse of Vodafone Idea would make it the third bankruptcy of a local mobile carrier in two years after that of Aircel and Rcom. It all started with the arrival of Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio, which slashed the existing mobile data prices to an extent that India today offers the world's cheapest mobile data packs. Once Jio did it, others had to follow thus dipping their hands to the bottom of their coffers to stay competitive. Meanwhile, data-hungry Indian consumers became more demanding, pushing the companies into a data war. The Supreme Court ruling will change all this. In order to pay the dues, telecom operators could raise the tariffs by 25 to 30 per cent by the end of the year. So, young India will now begin to feel the pinch, as they begin to shell out more for less data.

The telecom tremors: Consequences of Supreme Court's ruling

After Supreme Court rap, the Department of Telecommunications has ordered firms such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea to clear dues before Friday midnight.

The DoT, which faced the ire of the Supreme Court for putting on hold recovery of dues from telecom companies, started issuing circle or zone-wise demand notices to firms, an order seen by PTI said.

The order asked telcos to clear dues by 11.59 pm Friday.

Earlier in the day, the telecom department has withdrawn its order that asked for no coercive action against telecom companies defaulting on statutory dues payment after the Supreme Court on Friday took a strong view of non-compliance with its order.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/in-major-setback-telecom-operators-to-pay-rs-92000-crore-as-dues-to-telecom-department-as-supreme-court-rejects-review-plea-274701">Telecom operators to pay Rs 92,000 crore as dues to telecom department, SC rejects review plea&nbsp;</a>

Sources said that the DoT withdrew its order earlier today.

The department's move came after the Supreme Court directed the managing directors and directors of telcos and other firms to explain why contempt action be not taken against them for non-compliance of its order to pay adjusted gross revenue (AGR) of Rs 1.47 lakh crore to the Department of Telecommunications.

Taking strong note of the non-compliance of its order, a bench of Justice Arun Mishra, Justice S Abdul Nazeer and Justice M R Shah expressed anguish over the order passed by DoT's desk officer, staying the effect of its verdict in AGR matter.&nbsp;

After Supreme Court rap, the Department of Telecommunications has ordered firms such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea to clear dues before Friday midnight. The DoT, which faced the ire of the Supreme Court for putting on hold recovery of dues from telecom companies, started issuing circle or zone-wise demand notices to firms, an order seen by PTI said.

After Supreme Court rap, the Department of Telecommunications has ordered firms such as Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea to clear dues before Friday midnight. The DoT, which faced the ire of the Supreme Court for putting on hold recovery of dues from telecom companies, started issuing circle or zone-wise demand notices to firms, an order seen by PTI said. The order asked telcos to clear dues by 11.59 pm Friday. Earlier in the day, the telecom department has withdrawn its order that asked for no coercive action against telecom companies defaulting on statutory dues payment after the Supreme Court on Friday took a strong view of non-compliance with its order. Also read: Telecom operators to pay Rs 92,000 crore as dues to telecom department, SC rejects review plea Sources said that the DoT withdrew its order earlier today. The department's move came after the Supreme Court directed the managing directors and directors of telcos and other firms to explain why contempt action be not taken against them for non-compliance of its order to pay adjusted gross revenue (AGR) of Rs 1.47 lakh crore to the Department of Telecommunications. Taking strong note of the non-compliance of its order, a bench of Justice Arun Mishra, Justice S Abdul Nazeer and Justice M R Shah expressed anguish over the order passed by DoT's desk officer, staying the effect of its verdict in AGR matter.

DoT asks telcos to clear dues by midnight, withdraws 'no coercive action against defaulters' 

People can now file a complaint with the Department of Telecom (DoT) against offensive messages received on WhatsApp, an official said Friday.

The victim just needs to furnish a screenshot of the message along with the mobile number and e-mail it to ccaddn-dot@nic.In.

"If anyone is receiving abusive/offensive/death threats/vulgar whatsapp messages, please send screen shots of the message along with the mobile numbers at ccaddn-dot@nic.in

"We will take it up with the telecom operators and police heads for necessary action," DoT Controller Communications Ashish Joshi tweeted.

The move comes following many public figures, including journalists, complaining of receiving abusive and threatening messages.

The DoT, in an order on February 19, had said that licence conditions bar carriage of objectionable, obscene or unauthorised content in any form on the network.

The order directed all telecom service providers to take immediate action against their customers for sending such messages as it is also a violation of customer declaration in the customer application form.

People can now file a complaint with the Department of Telecom (DoT) against offensive messages received on WhatsApp, an official said Friday. The victim just needs to furnish a screenshot of the message along with the mobile number and e-mail it to ccaddn-dot@nic.

People can now file a complaint with the Department of Telecom (DoT) against offensive messages received on WhatsApp, an official said Friday. The victim just needs to furnish a screenshot of the message along with the mobile number and e-mail it to ccaddn-dot@nic.In. "If anyone is receiving abusive/offensive/death threats/vulgar whatsapp messages, please send screen shots of the message along with the mobile numbers at ccaddn-dot@nic.in "We will take it up with the telecom operators and police heads for necessary action," DoT Controller Communications Ashish Joshi tweeted. The move comes following many public figures, including journalists, complaining of receiving abusive and threatening messages. The DoT, in an order on February 19, had said that licence conditions bar carriage of objectionable, obscene or unauthorised content in any form on the network. The order directed all telecom service providers to take immediate action against their customers for sending such messages as it is also a violation of customer declaration in the customer application form.

Now, register complaint with DoT against offensive WhatsApp messages