India has once again topped the list for global internet shutdowns, marking the sixth consecutive year it has held this position, according to a report by Access Now, a non-profit organization focusing on digital rights. The report reveals that India accounted for 773 out of 1,458 shutdowns recorded globally since 2016, making up 53% of the total shutdowns.
In 2023 alone, India experienced 116 instances of internet shutdowns, representing 41% of the 283 shutdowns recorded worldwide. Access Now’s analysis highlights the economic impact of these shutdowns, citing a cost of $1.9 billion to the Indian economy and a loss of $118 million in foreign investment in the first half of 2023.
The report underscores the severity of internet shutdowns, particularly in regions like Manipur and Punjab. In Manipur, internet services were suspended for 212 days from May 3 to December 3, significantly affecting daily life and making it challenging to document and address various atrocities, including gender-based violence.
The study also notes a concerning trend of shutdowns coinciding with conflicts, protests, and human rights abuses across multiple countries. Palestine and Ukraine, embroiled in border conflicts, experienced 16 and 8 shutdowns, respectively, imposed by external parties.
Furthermore, the report highlights the increasing censorship of online platforms globally. Apart from India, several other countries blocked platforms like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Grindr multiple times, indicating a growing trend of digital censorship.
Access Now emphasizes that the actual number of platform blocks may be higher due to factors like VPN usage and discrepancies in government policies. The organization calls for greater transparency and accountability in government actions regarding internet shutdowns and platform censorship.
Sources By Agencies
