Leaked government order asks internet service providers to bar access to 857 sites on grounds of morality and decency.
India has ordered internet service providers (ISP) to block access to more than 850 adult websites in what the government has described as a way to protect social decency, media reports say.
NN Kaul, a spokesperson for India's telecoms department, said on Monday that the government was trying to control easy access to pornography following a directive from the country's Supreme Court.
Kaul said that while ISPs in India will have to bar access, users may still view the sites through virtual private networks and proxy servers.
He said the move would protect children.
The leaked government order, dated last Friday, asks ISPs to block access to the 857 sites on grounds of morality and decency.
While the government initially denied any such decision, the Times of India newspaper, quoting government sources, reported that the denial of access was a temporary one, and more of a prelude to the creation of a regular regulatory oversight.
List of blocked sites
By Monday noon, however, the list of blocked sites was released. Kaul said more websites may be added to the list.
According to the Indian Express newspaper, those accessing the web through ISPs such as MTNL, BSNL, Hathway and Spectranet have complained of blank pages.
However, those using Vodafone, Airtel and cable broadband claimed to have faced no such issues.
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