In 2023, India topped the global charts for Internet shutdowns, recording 116 instances out of the 283 globally reported shutdowns, accounting for 41 percent of the total, according to data analysed by Access Now, an organisation dedicated to digital rights advocacy. This marks the sixth consecutive year that India has topped the list of most Internet shutdowns reported in a year.
Since 2016, of the 1,458 shutdowns recorded by Access Now, India has contributed 53 percent with 773 instances. The number of Internet shutdowns in India surged by 41 percent from 201 in 2022 to 283 in 2023.
The economic ramifications of these shutdowns are significant, with reported costs amounting to USD 1.9 billion for India, coupled with a loss of USD 118 million in foreign investment in the first half of 2023 alone, according to Access Now.
Additionally, citing the Internet Society’s NetLoss Calculator, the report indicates that a single-day shutdown could result in up to 379 people facing unemployment in the country.
Statewide shutdown in India
In India, 64 shutdowns affected more than one district, notably driven by 47 shutdowns in Manipur and a statewide shutdown in Punjab in March. Manipur experienced Internet suspension from May 3 to December 3, totalling 212 days, which significantly hindered efforts to document gender-based violence, according to the report.
Furthermore, apart from nationwide platform blockades, 13 states in India witnessed local or statewide Internet shutdowns. The number of Indian states with over five shutdowns increased from 3 in 2022 to 7 in 2023. Notably, 41 percent of all shutdowns in India lasted for five or more days, a notable rise from 15 percent in 2022.
Following India, Myanmar recorded 37 Internet shutdowns, followed by Iran with 34. In 2023, 39 countries experienced Internet shutdowns, with Pakistan registering 7 and Iraq 6.
The report underscores that authorities have employed Internet shutdowns as a tool to exacerbate violence and war crimes, notably impacting countries like Palestine and Ukraine amidst border conflicts, where external parties imposed shutdowns rather than the respective governments.
