SFLC.in Strengthening Digital Rights: Launches 4th Cohort Of Digital Defenders Network
In this digital age, where digital freedom and digital rights have become integral to public life, legal support for online freedom has become increasingly critical. Cyber frauds have increased by 900% in the last four years, with fraudsters cheating people out of Rs 33,165 crore, according to data compiled by the National Cyber Reporting Platform (NCRP). This highlights the pressing need for accessible legal support to protect individuals' digital rights. Addressing this, SFLC.in is inviting applications from legal professionals across the country to join the 4th cohort of the Digital Defenders Network ("DDN"). It is a pro bono nationwide network of lawyers dedicated to defending digital rights and online freedom. It is a unique initiative launched by SFLC.in, in which DDN ensures that citizens are provided with timely and effective legal redressal for facing Fundamental Rights violations by lawyers located in various states.
Now entering its fourth cohort, the Network continues to grow, strengthening its commitment to protect digital rights for all.
Expanding Network
With each new cohort, the Digital Defenders Network has expanded its network nationwide. The network has now expanded to include 70 dedicated lawyers from diverse regions and legal backgrounds. This broad representation helps to overcome regional barriers and makes legal help more accessible to all.
Benefits of joining the Digital Defenders Network
The selected lawyers for the Digital Defenders Network will benefit from:
- Opportunities to be at the forefront of addressing legal challenges that can reshape policy
- Opportunities to be published on our platforms
- Opportunities to become the face of digital defenders in your state
- Opportunities to tackle rapidly growing cases pertaining to digital rights violations
- Support from fellow lawyers within the network
- Access to legal and technical resources available with SFLC.in and experts working with it
- Assistance in drafting and filing cases or complaints
- A dedicated online grievance redressal form to address violations
- Opportunities to collaborate with leading lawyers, academics, and policy experts in areas such as software, technology, data protection, and management.
- Members can organize and co-host physical or virtual events on digital rights in partnership with SFLC.in
This support enables Digital Defenders to provide timely, informed, and effective legal assistance.
Eligibility
Lawyers with at least one year of litigation experience who are collaborative, earnest, and passionate about defending digital rights are encouraged to apply.
SFLC.in applies an inclusive selection process. Candidates from all backgrounds and all parts of society are welcome, reflecting SFLC.in's commitment to diversity.
Legal Interventions by SFLC.in in collaboration with Digital Defenders Network:
The Digital Defenders Network is a vital component of SFLC.In's broader mission to protect digital rights. Alongside training and coordinating pro bono legal support, SFLC.in actively challenges unconstitutional practices and advocates for digital freedoms. Some of the recent legal interventions include:
Shailesh Poddar, a lawyer from the first cohort of DDN, filed this litigation against the internet shutdowns imposed by the Government of Jharkhand. In this petition, SFLC.in sought a direction from the court to the state to publish the internet shutdown order on its official website. The High Court of Jharkhand directed the State Government of Jharkhand to publish all the previous internet shutdown suspension orders on its website. Read here.
SFLC.in provided legal assistance to the Democratic Alliance for Knowledge Freedom(DAKF) in challenging the compulsory linking of children's Aadhaar data to the UDISE+ school database. This was co-filed by Ammu Charles from the First Cohort of DDN.
Recent Strategic Intervention by SFLC.in
SFLC.in has filed a petition before the Hon'ble Supreme Court challenging Rule 16, which mandates strict confidentiality in blocking orders. The petition calls for accountability and transparency in blocking online content, claiming it infringes upon the right to freedom of speech and expression.
https://sflc.in/sflc-in-challenges-rule-16-of-the-blocking-rules-2009-in-the-supreme-court/
SFLC.in supported a legal challenge against the blocking of Briar, a free and open-source messaging platform, before the Delhi High Court. The case raised concerns over arbitrary blocking under the IT Act, without due process or proper justification.
- Challenge to LG's Takedown Notification Under IT Rules (Delhi High Court)
On May 28, 2025, SFLC.in appeared before the Delhi High Court to challenge a notification by the Lieutenant Governor authorizing Delhi Police to issue content takedown notices. The petition argued that this power lies solely with the Central Government under Section 69A of the IT Act, and it undermines constitutional rights and freedom of speech.
Applications are open now.
Applications for the fourth cohort are now open and will remain so until August 17th, 2025.
Interested lawyers can submit their applications via the official DDN registration form here: https://form.sflc.in/sflc-in-ddn/
For queries or further information, please refer to: ddn.sflc.in or mail us at mail@sflc.in