In 2024, the world witnessed an alarming 296 internet shutdowns across 54 countries, setting a new record for digital restrictions, as reported by digital rights organization Access Now. This marked a sharp increase from 283 shutdowns across 39 countries in 2023, signaling a growing trend of governments curbing digital freedoms in response to protests, conflicts, and political instability.
India, which has led the global list for six consecutive years, recorded 84 internet shutdowns, making it the highest among democratic nations. However, it was surpassed by Myanmar, where the military junta imposed 85 blackouts, making it the worst offender globally. Pakistan also witnessed a record 21 shutdowns, the highest ever for the country, while Russia carried out 19 shutdowns, including seven in Ukraine amid its ongoing invasion.
The report highlighted that while India saw a decrease in shutdowns from 116 in 2023 to 84 in 2024, it remained the country with the most disruptions ordered by a democratic government. The data revealed that 41 shutdowns were linked to protests, while 23 were imposed due to communal violence. Additionally, five shutdowns were enforced during government job placement examinations, raising concerns about the frequent use of digital blackouts as a governance tool.
India’s Internet Shutdowns: Regional Impact and Legislative Concerns
At least 16 Indian states and Union Territories experienced at least one shutdown in 2024, with Manipur recording the highest number at 21 shutdowns, followed by Haryana (12) and Jammu & Kashmir (12). These disruptions have drawn criticism, with experts arguing that such digital restrictions undermine India’s global ambitions in digital governance and artificial intelligence.
The report also raised concerns about India’s recently introduced Telecommunications Act 2023 and the Telecom Suspension Rules 2024, which retain colonial-era provisions from the Telegraph Act of 1885. Critics argue that the legislation lacks independent oversight mechanisms to review shutdown orders, leaving decision-making power entirely in the hands of government officials.
Global Trends: Conflict, Protests, and Election-Related Blackouts
Conflict remained the leading cause of internet shutdowns worldwide in 2024, with 103 shutdowns recorded across 11 countries due to war and violence. Other major reasons included:
- Protests (74 shutdowns)
- Exams (16 shutdowns)
- Elections (12 shutdowns)
The report highlighted that governments in several countries used internet shutdowns to conceal human rights abuses, including targeting civilians and blocking humanitarian aid.
Another worrying trend was the rise of platform-specific blocks, with 71 instances recorded in 35 countries. Social media platform X (formerly Twitter), owned by Elon Musk, was the most blocked platform globally, with restrictions imposed 24 times across 14 countries. TikTok and Signal also saw a significant rise in blocks compared to the previous year, as governments attempted to control the flow of information.
Pushback Against Internet Censorship
Despite the increasing number of shutdowns, civil society efforts to combat digital blackouts have also intensified. The #KeepItOn coalition monitored high-risk elections in 25 countries, advocating against shutdowns imposed during protests and exams.
There have also been some positive global developments:
- The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights adopted a resolution urging member states to avoid internet shutdowns during elections.
- At the 2024 UN Summit of the Future, world leaders committed to refraining from internet shutdowns as part of the Pact for the Future and Global Digital Compact.
While governments continue to weaponize digital access as a tool for control, global resistance is growing, with increasing calls for greater accountability and transparency in digital governance policies.
