New Delhi: India maintains its position as the world’s foremost enforcer of deliberate internet shutdowns, marking the sixth consecutive year with the highest number of shutdown orders globally.
According to data compiled by Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition, India implemented 116 shutdowns in 2023, with an increasing trend towards regional shutdowns rather than localised ones, particularly notable in Manipur and Punjab.
In 2023, internet shutdowns reached unprecedented levels globally, as documented in the report titled Shrinking democracy, growing violence: internet shutdowns in 2023 by Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition. With 283 shutdown incidents across 39 countries, it marked the highest number since monitoring began in 2016, reflecting a 41% increase from 2022 and a 28% increase from the previous record high in 2019.
Conflicts emerged as the primary driver for shutdowns, with a concerning trend of shutdowns intersecting with natural disasters. Despite growing momentum against shutdowns, they remained a favoured tool for both democratic and authoritarian regimes to suppress fundamental human rights.
“Tens of thousands of lives have been taken – from Palestine to Myanmar, Sudan to Ukraine – by attackers using internet shutdowns to shield their actions from accountability. We cannot allow them to succeed,” said the report.
Key findings globally
In 2023, internet shutdowns surged globally due to various triggers. Protests, school exams, and elections remained prominent factors, with protest-related shutdowns nearing previous highs.
New offenders like Kenya, Mozambique, Nepal, and Suriname doubled from the previous year, indicating a troubling spread. Authorities continued platform blocks, endangering vulnerable communities, notably LGBTQ+ individuals.
Progress was seen as African nations committed to connectivity during elections, and legal victories against shutdowns were achieved. Civil society played a crucial role, with over 334 organizations worldwide uniting against shutdowns.
India remains No. 1 for the sixth year
The number of internet shutdowns in Jammu and Kashmir went down from 49 in 2022 to 17 in 2023.
In 2023, internet shutdowns in India not only expanded geographically but also persisted for longer durations. The proportion of shutdowns lasting five days or more skyrocketed from 15% in 2022 to over 41% in 2023. This increase coincided with nationwide blocking of 14 messaging apps beginning in early May.
Additionally, the issuance of 7,502 URL-blocking orders between January and October 2023, coupled with India’s new telecom law granting extensive powers to the central government for imposing shutdowns, paints a concerning picture.
Some key findings
Manipur experienced a statewide shutdown for 212 days affecting roughly 3.2 million people, primarily impacting mobile networks. Punjab also saw an extensive internet blackout impacting about 27 million people for four continuous days.
Shutdowns lasted longer, with a significant increase in those spanning five days or more compared to previous years. This prolonged disruption had severe economic consequences, pushing people into unemployment and impacting the country’s investment climate.
Shutdowns primarily targeted mobile networks, affecting nearly 96% of people with internet access who rely on wireless services. This essentially equates to a full blackout of internet access, severely impacting daily activities, communication, and access to information.
Financial impact of internet shutdowns
“A single-day shutdown can push up to 379 people into unemployment in India,” read the Keep it On report.
Shutdowns disproportionately affected marginalised communities, hindering their access to newer revenue streams and opportunities. This exacerbates existing inequalities and undermines efforts towards equitable digitization.
They also had deep economic impacts at all levels, from individual livelihoods to national GDP, said the report.
Losses in employment, foreign investment, and economic activity underscored the detrimental effects of these measures on India’s economy.
“Rather than protecting communities, internet shutdowns in India are deepening the digital divide and undermining efforts toward equitable and inclusive digitisation,” the report stated.
India’s response
The Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency & Public Safety) Rules, 2017, under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, currently governs telecom service suspensions. These rules allow for temporary shutdowns lasting up to 15 days in a region. Internet shutdowns have been deployed by the Indian government during protests like the Agneepath and farmers’ protests.
The Committee urged a comprehensive review of the rules to address all aspects of internet shutdowns, adapt rules to evolving technology, ensure minimal public disruption, and establish uniform guidelines for states/UTs.
The 2023 report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communication and Information Technology, led by MP Prataprao Shinde, expressed concerns over the Ministry of Home Affairs and Department of Telecommunications’ failure to maintain internet shutdown records as recommended.
