The supporters group of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) in India will hold a public meeting in Chennai on April 8 against Internet censorship.

Google has modified its search algorithms to target the World Socialist Web Site and other socialist, anti-war and progressive web sites. Facebook has made changes to limit access to news, except what it terms authoritative news.

Another indication of the dangerous advance of Internet censorship is the decision by the American payment-processing corporation PayPal to block online sales of the WSWS pamphlet, The Struggle Against Imperialism and for Workers’ Power in Iran.

The attack on Internet access is global. Under the guise of opposing “hate speech” and defending “national security,” the right-wing Indian government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Internet technology companies to censor selected web sites and social media accounts.

According to recent data, Facebook blocked more than a thousand social media URLs during the first 11 months of 2017 on the recommendation of an Indian government committee dealing with “objectionable content.” Blocked accounts include political criticism and videos of human rights violations, such as in Kashmir.

Modi has cemented a close strategic partnership with the US government. His government has transformed India into a frontline state of Washington’s war drive against China. As opposition grows to attacks on social rights and the pro-US shift, New Delhi fears Facebook and social media being used to organise opposition and resistance.

At the meeting, speakers will discuss the international attacks on Internet freedom, including in India, and its dangerous political implications for the working class and youth. We invite workers, youth and intellectuals concerned about democratic rights to attend this important meeting and participate in the discussion.

The meeting will be conducted in English and Tamil and live streamed through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wsws.supporters.india/.

Meeting venue: Trust Conference Hall, 38, College Road,
Next to the Union Bank of India, opposite the Good Shepherd School,
Nungambakkam, Chennai, 600 006

Date and time: Sunday April 8, 4 pm