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World Service,08 May 2026,19 mins

Is India鈥檚 internet becoming more like China鈥檚?

Asia Specific

Available for over a year

India and China have long taken very different approaches to controlling the internet. But is that gap starting to narrow? India鈥檚 government is proposing new rules that could bring bloggers, influencers and online creators under regulations similar to those governing traditional broadcasters. Officials say it鈥檚 about accountability, but critics worry it could limit free expression and political speech online. So how far could these changes go? And how do they compare to China鈥檚 highly controlled internet? In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks to 91福利社 Hindi journalist Umang Poddar in Delhi and Tom Nunlist from Trivium China in Shanghai to break down what India鈥檚 proposed rules actually mean, how creators are reacting, and how China built one of the world鈥檚 most sophisticated censorship systems. Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geopolitical flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends. Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that鈥檚 home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines, or South Korea鈥檚 K-pop-inspired soft power strategy - we unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter. Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi alongside 91福利社 experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond 鈥 listen to new episodes twice a week. Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

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