Over the past decade, net neutrality has remained a pivotal issue globally, with India emerging as a staunch defender of an open and free internet. With over 800 million internet users as of 2025, India's commitment to net neutrality has been instrumental in shaping its digital landscape.
The debate over net neutrality in India gained significant momentum in 2015. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) sought public opinion on regulating over-the-top (OTT) services like WhatsApp and Skype, raising concerns about potential preferential treatment by telecom operators. Simultaneously, Bharti Airtel's introduction of 'Airtel Zero,' a platform allowing companies to pay for customer data usage, sparked fears of a two-tiered internet favoring those who could afford to pay for better access.
These developments led to widespread public outcry, with over a million emails flooding TRAI in support of net neutrality. Campaigns like 'SaveTheInternet.in' mobilized citizens, emphasizing the need for a non-discriminatory internet.
Responding to public sentiment, TRAI released recommendations in November 2017 advocating for strict net neutrality norms. By July 2018, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) approved these recommendations, prohibiting practices like data throttling, blocking, and paid prioritization. This regulatory framework ensured that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) could not engage in discriminatory practices, thereby preserving the essence of an open Internet.
As of 2025, India's net neutrality stance remains robust. The regulatory framework established in the late 2010s continues to guide the operations of ISPs, ensuring that all data on the internet is treated equally. This unwavering commitment has fostered a thriving digital ecosystem, enabling startups and established companies alike to innovate without fear of unfair competition.
Globally, the net neutrality landscape has been tumultuous. For instance, net neutrality rules have oscillated with changing administrations in the United States. In February 2025, public interest groups urged the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to reconsider a ruling that blocked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from reinstating net neutrality rules. This legal tug-of-war underscores the challenges nations face in preserving an open internet.
India's steadfast approach to net neutrality serves as a model for other nations grappling with the complexities of internet regulation. By prioritizing users' rights and ensuring a level playing field for all digital entities, India has reinforced the foundational principles of the internet.
Continuous vigilance is essential as the digital landscape evolves with emerging technologies and services. Policymakers, industry stakeholders, and citizens must collaborate to address new challenges, ensuring that the Internet remains a bastion of innovation, free expression, and equitable access.
