India records second-highest number of internet shutdowns globally in 2024

India, which has topped the global list for six consecutive years, recorded 84 internet shutdowns in 2024, making it the highest among democratic nations.

In Short

• India recorded 84 internet shutdowns in 2024
• Out of these, 41 were linked to protests, while 23 were imposed due to communal violence
• Myanmar, where the military junta imposed 85 blackouts, making it the worst offender globally

In 2024, governments across the world imposed a staggering 296 internet shutdowns in 54 countries, setting a new record for digital restrictions, according to a report by digital rights organisation Access Now. This marked a sharp increase from the 283 shutdowns recorded in 39 countries in 2023. India, which had topped the global list for six consecutive years, recorded 84 internet shutdowns in 2024, 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 followed with 21 shutdowns, the highest ever recorded for the country, while Russia carried out 19 shutdowns, including seven in Ukraine amid its ongoing invasion.

“Despite a modest decrease in shutdowns from 2023 [116 internet shutdowns], India still imposed 84 in 2024, the most disruptions ordered in a democracy that year,” the report published on Monday stated. The data showed that 41 of India’s shutdowns were linked to protests, while 23 were imposed due to communal violence. Additionally, five shutdowns were enforced during government job placement examinations.

At least 16 Indian states and Union Territories experienced at least one internet shutdown. Manipur had the highest number of shutdowns within the country (21), followed by Haryana (12) and Jammu & Kashmir (12). The frequent disruptions have drawn criticism, with experts arguing that they undermine India’s aspirations for global leadership 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 the decision-making process to government officials.

Globally, conflict remained the leading cause of internet shutdowns in 2024, with 103 shutdowns recorded in 11 countries due to war and violence. Other major reasons included protests (74 shutdowns), exams (16 shutdowns), and elections (12 shutdowns). Authorities in several countries were also found to have used shutdowns to conceal human rights abuses, such as targeting civilians and blocking humanitarian aid.

The report also highlighted an increase in platform-specific blocks, with 71 instances recorded in 35 countries. Social media platform X, 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.

While internet shutdowns have become more widespread, civil society efforts to combat them have also intensified. The #KeepItOn coalition monitored high-risk elections in 25 countries and pushed back against shutdowns imposed during protests and exams. Advocacy efforts have also led to positive developments, such as the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights adopting a resolution urging member states to avoid internet shutdowns during elections. Additionally, 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.