THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government’s decision to ban more than 850 porn websites in India has triggered a furore on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Most of the Internet users seem to have turned against the government decision, saying that the ban amounts to violation of freedom. Meanwhile, many expressed their unhappiness with a mix of wit and humour. From Monday morning, porn websites, including ‘Pornhub’ and ‘Red tube’, displayed blank pages.
City Express takes a look at some of the comments and tweets raised in connection with the porn ban controversy. “The decision of the government is like a slap on the face of the common man as it reins in people’s rights. There is no element to help people, only the political move matters. If we don’t protest, the BJP-led government will impose several bans like the one they brought on beef last month,” Sujeesh Sudhakar, a teacher, expressed his version of the ban.
Alexander Paul, a doctor, commented on his Facebook page: “We need to ban it (porn) at the earliest. Just because there is easy accessibility for the kids to Internet nowadays, it can ruin their future.” “The freedom of people is being questioned here. Before implementing such a ban, they should work against rape. This is the fascist policy of the government and nothing can be seen above that,” said Jeeva Devaki, a housewife. “These websites are provoking people to commit a rape attempt, so the ban is partially accepted.” Angel Mathew, a Sacred Heart College student, responded.
“Most of the rapes are taking place after seeing the porn clips. The decision of the government is welcomed,” said Ayisha Anan, a student of Ernakulam Law College. While another law student, Anantha Lakshmi, opined in a post that porn should not be banned. “As prostitution is not legalised here, there is no need to ban porn websites. There are many people who doesn’t have a chance to enjoy sexual pleasure; for them, the porn sites are a relief and there is no doubt that the ban will trigger more issues. Moreover, it’s a part of the human nature.” she tweeted. Whereas, Joy, on the Twitter, came down on the government with a humorous tweet, “Prostitution is illegal. well, now #pornban? welcome to the world’s most sexually frustrated country! what will MPs do in parliament now :P”. While another one posted on Twitter: “The blocked websites have been personally checked in Parliament before blocking.” A picture of MPs which had gone viral last year followed the tweet.
Lokesh, a filmmaker, tweeted: “In a country where a full-blown porn star has got effortlessly mainstreamed, any attempt at #PornBan is laughable.”
Some hinted that the ban will invite heavy loss to the mobile companies due to low data usage. “I support #ban on #porn sites. Now #indian #youth won’t need extra internet data plans anymore #nextbanidea” tweeted Amey Deshmukh.