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ShareBangalore: While SavitaBhabhi.com has millions of fans across the world, there are still many who were not even aware of her existence. "I didn't even know Bhabhi existed," says Seema S, a copywriter. "And I don't think it's right on the part of the government to ban this site. It is very hypocritical. They should ban all porn sites then."
So, does this mean the government has the right to ban any porn site? "No way," says Mohit Pratap, a business analyst. "In Sweden, after they made porn legal, it brought down crimes against women. It basically removes the taboo. Also, what is wrong with watching porn? I don't think it's a crime. Everyone indulges in sexual exuberances."
Many believe that banning pornography is a mistake, as that action will force it underground. According to one web expert, the best way to control the industry is to follow the tenets of the West, where pornography is legal and regulated. "Not only will it lead to a more streamlined industry, but it will also ensure that women and men in this industry are not exploited, and this is something that the government should think of," he says.
"Banning pornography for the sake of culture?" says Raghav Narain, a college student. "We must then censor places like Khajuraho, Belur, Halebidu, and so on that have sexual acts depicted. Considering animation pornography in itself is hideous."
The one vibe going through Bangalore's youth was the fear that India was taking tentative steps down the road well-worn by China when it comes to internet censorship.
"Porn is clandestinely present in every nook and corner of India. So why ban websites?" says Parineeta Kumar, a media professional. "One can't censor pornography. I mean, you can't single out one site from the glut of pornographic websites operating from within and without the country."
Pornography is illegal in India, though one can buy pornographic DVDs from almost all the vendors selling illegal discs on Bangalore's streets. "These issues are politically motivated in our country," says Aman Rao, an engineering student. "We have websites, newspapers, and TV channels criticising the government, so you can't start censorship here unless you want to end up in the minority."
But fear of censorship is not something new to India's netizens. Bloggers have been looking over their shoulder for a while now. "I am very cautious of what I write and what content I put up. I don't put up anything that is anti-something," says Nikhil Narayanan, a blogger.
He adds that banning groups or sites is just an easy way out for the government, and such instances have occurred in the past. "In 2004, Yahoo! groups were banned in our country," he says. "If anything goes wrong, the first thing the government does is put a blanket ban. It's like formatting your system even if there is a minor problem."
