2G internet allowed, social media ban lifted in J&K after six months

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has on Wednesday (March 4) decided to lift the ban on using social media platforms, after keeping it active for more than six months.

Social media websites in the union territory were banned indefinitely following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5 last year.

In a fresh order issued today by Principal Secretary (J&K) Shaleen Kabra, the valley administration said that unrestricted 2G internet access will be allowed for use, but only for social media apps and the list of websites provided by the government.

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Meanwhile, internet services would also be allowed on landline connections after they are verified and granted permission.

Sources told India Today that the new order shall be applicable only till March 17 on an experimental basis and direct internet access would be available to people across J&K.

However, there are certain specified restrictions which the new order comes with. This includes the restriction of internet speed to 2G only and people with post-paid SIM cards will have access to the internet services but those using pre-paid cards will be able do the same only after undergoing verification applicable for post-paid SIMs. The order also specifies that internet connectivity will be available only on fixed landline connections.