India Ranked Highest Among Democratic Nations for Internet Shutdowns in 2024: Still an Improvement Over 2023

India experienced 84 internet shutdowns in 2024, ranking highest among democratic nations. Only Myanmar surpassed India with 85 shutdowns, as reported by Access Now, a digital rights organisation. This marks the first time in six years that India was not the global leader in internet shutdowns. Despite a reduction from 116 in 2023, India still led democratic countries in such disruptions.

In India, these shutdowns were primarily linked to protests and communal violence. Specifically, 41 shutdowns were due to protests and 23 were related to communal unrest. Additionally, five shutdowns occurred during government job placement exams. Internet access was restricted at least once in over 16 states and Union Territories across the country.

State-Wise Shutdown Data

Manipur recorded the highest number of internet shutdowns within India, with a total of 21 instances. Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir followed closely, each experiencing 12 shutdowns. The report highlights the significant impact of these disruptions on connectivity and communication across various regions.

Namrata Maheshwari from Access Now commented on India's global leadership ambitions. "Shutdowns are incompatible with India's global leadership ambitions, whether on AI, digital governance, or skilling," she stated. She emphasised that no other democracy consistently cuts off connectivity without oversight or accountability.

Global Internet Shutdown Trends

Globally, there were over 296 government-imposed internet shutdowns across 54 countries last year. In the Asia Pacific region alone, there were 202 disruptions across 11 countries or territories. Myanmar, India, and Pakistan together accounted for more than 64% of all recorded shutdowns in 2024.

The report identified several triggers for these shutdowns: violence and conflict led to over 103 instances globally. Other reasons included protests, instability, exams, elections, and attempts to conceal human rights abuses. These actions reflect rising digital authoritarianism in Asia.

Impact on Digital Progress

Raman Jit Singh Chima from Access Now highlighted the broader implications of these actions: "Shutdowns destabilise societies, undermine digital progress, put entire communities at risk." He noted that authorities from Myanmar to Pakistan are isolating people from the world with impunity.

The Telecommunications Act 2023 and Telecom Suspension Rules 2024 have been criticised for lacking safeguards against such disruptions. Maheshwari urged authorities to repeal laws violating rights and aim for a shutdown-free year in India by 2025.

Platform-Specific Blocks

The report also noted an increase in platform-specific blocks worldwide. Over 71 online platforms were blocked in 35 countries last year-up from 53 blocks in 25 countries in 2023. Elon Musk's social media platform X was blocked most frequently (24 times) across various countries.

The current legal framework allows a three-member committee of secretary-level officials to review the validity of shutdown orders at both central and state levels. However, critics argue that this lacks independent oversight mechanisms necessary for accountability. The ongoing trend of internet restrictions poses challenges for digital governance and human rights protection globally.

The need for transparent policies ensuring connectivity remains crucial as nations navigate complex socio-political landscapes. Ensuring uninterrupted internet access is essential for fostering democratic values, safeguarding human rights, and supporting economic and technological growth in an increasingly digital world.

Source