An internet shutdown refers to the deliberate disruption or cessation of internet services within a specific geographic area, often by government authorities or other entities with the capability to control telecommunications infrastructure. Internet shutdowns can be partial or complete, temporary or prolonged, and they can be implemented for various reasons, including political, social, economic, or security concerns.
Internet shutdowns often violate individuals’ right to freedom of expression and access to information, which are fundamental human rights. This type of disruption often limits people’s ability to communicate, express themselves, and access information, undermining democracy and civil liberties. Internet shutdowns disrupt business operations, e-commerce, and financial transactions, which can lead to economic losses for businesses, particularly those that rely heavily on online platforms for sales and communication. It also affects the livelihoods of individuals who depend on the Internet for work or jobs. Many educational institutions rely on the Internet for teaching, learning, and accessing educational resources. Internet shutdowns disrupt these activities, affecting students’ ability to attend online classes, access educational materials, and communicate with teachers and peers.
The internet plays a crucial role in healthcare as well, enabling access to medical information, telemedicine services, and communication between healthcare providers and patients. Shutdowns can disrupt these services and potentially affect patient care and public health efforts. Internet shutdowns can hinder social movements, protests, and political organizing by limiting communication and coordination among activists and citizens. They can also suppress dissent and prevent the spread of information about government actions and human rights abuses. Shutting down the internet can lead to alternative communication methods, such as encrypted messaging apps or virtual private networks (VPNs), which may be more difficult for authorities to monitor and control. This can undermine efforts to regulate online activity and increase security risks. Countries that frequently impose internet shutdowns may face criticism from the international community and damage their reputation as supporters of free speech and human rights. This can have diplomatic and economic repercussions.
Internet shutdowns in India rapidly increasing
Fig: 1
The data on internet shutdowns in India from 2012 to 2023 reveals a concerning trend of increasing frequency and intensity. From just 3 shutdowns in 2012, the number has surged to 96 in 2023, marking a significant 32 times rise over the past decade. The peak in internet shutdowns in India occurred in 2018. These insights suggest there is an urgent need for policy reforms to regulate the use of internet shutdowns more effectively. While governments may justify these measures on grounds of national security or public safety, they must balance such concerns with the rights of citizens and the principles of democratic governance. Clear guidelines and accountability mechanisms are essential to prevent the arbitrary and excessive use of shutdowns. As technology continues to evolve, governments may explore more sophisticated methods of controlling internet access, such as throttling bandwidth or targeting specific platforms and services (fig: 1).
Jammu & Kashmir recorded the maximum number of internet shutdowns in India
Fig: 2
Jammu & Kashmir stands out with a staggering 433 internet shutdowns, indicating the region’s unique socio-political landscape and security challenges. Other states like Rajasthan (100), Manipur (47), and Haryana (38) also experience relatively high numbers of shutdowns, albeit to a lesser extent, suggesting localized issues or unrest. States with conflict zones or experiencing internal security challenges, such as Jammu & Kashmir and Manipur, witness a higher incidence of shutdowns, often linked to efforts to maintain law and order or combat militancy (fig: 2).
The upward trend in internet shutdowns in India reflects a complex interplay of political, social, and economic factors. Addressing this issue requires a multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, civil society, and the private sector to safeguard digital rights, promote transparency, and ensure the uninterrupted flow of information in the digital age.
References
- Internet Shutdowns Tracker by – SFLC.in. (n.d.). Internet Shutdowns Tracker By – SFLC.in. https://internetshutdowns.in/
- FAQ on Internet shutdowns – Internet Freedom Foundation. (n.d.). Internet Freedom Foundation. https://internetfreedom.in/shutdowns-faq/
- Momen, M. N., & Das, D. (2021). Mediated democracy and internet shutdown in India. Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, 19(2), 222-235.
- Qadir, S., & Jaggarwal, S. (2021). A study on reasons of internet shutdown in J&K. J. Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, 55(2), 172-179.
About Author:
Pankaj Chowdhury is a former Research Assistant at the International Economic Association. He holds a Master’s degree in Demography & Biostatistics from the International Institute for Population Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Visva-Bharati University. His primary research interests focus on exploring new dimensions of in computational social science and digital demography.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of 360 Analytika.
Acknowledgement: The author extends his gratitude to the Internet Shutdowns Tracker by – SFLC.in for providing data support.
This article is posted by Sahil Shekh, Editor-in-Chief at 360 Analytika.
