Global Internet Shutdowns 2025

• The 2026 #KeepItOn report, titled “Rising Repression Meets Global Resistance: Internet Shutdowns in 2025”, highlighted a sharp rise in deliberate internet disruptions worldwide.

• Purpose of shutdowns: Suppress dissent, control narratives, restrict human rights, and consolidate state power.

Key Statistics:

• 313 internet shutdowns recorded across 52 countries in 2025 — the highest ever since tracking began.

• 75 shutdowns in 33 countries extended into 2026, indicating prolonged disconnections.

• At least one shutdown occurred daily worldwide throughout 2025.

• Seven countries imposed shutdowns for the first time: Albania, Angola, Cambodia, Lithuania, Panama, Papua New Guinea, and the United States of America.

Regional Trends

• Asia-Pacific: Highest concentration, with 195 shutdowns across 11 countries.

• Countries with most shutdowns:

  • Myanmar: 95 incidents, mainly by the military junta to suppress dissent and control information.

  • Pakistan: 20 shutdowns, mostly during protests or politically sensitive periods.

  • Afghanistan: 4 shutdowns under the Taliban, restricting access to education, employment, and services.

Shutdowns were often persistent, not isolated, and targeted civilians during political crises, conflicts, or humanitarian emergencies.

Triggers of Shutdowns

1. Conflict-related: 125 incidents.

2. Protests and political instability: 64 incidents.

3. Human rights violations: 70 incidents, including Sudan, Gaza, and Iran.

Internet Shutdowns in India

• Total shutdowns in 2025: 65, second highest globally after Myanmar.

• Affected regions: 12 states and territories.

• Causes: Protests, communal violence, conflicts, religious holidays.

• Trend over the decade: Fluctuating but consistently high; from 30 in 2016 to a peak of 134 in 2018.

Legal Provisions for Internet Shutdowns in India

Telecommunications Rules, 2024

Internet shutdowns in India are governed by the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024, which have been issued under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. These rules replaced the earlier Telecom Suspension Rules, 2017 and provide a framework for suspending telecom services, including internet access.

Authority to Issue Shutdown Orders

The authority to impose internet shutdowns lies with:

• The Union Home Secretary for national-level shutdowns.

• The State Home Secretary for state-level shutdowns.

In emergency situations, a Joint Secretary-level officer may issue such an order. However, this order must be approved within 24 hours, failing which it becomes invalid.

Suspension duration cannot exceed 15 days.

Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita empowers magistrates to issue orders to maintain public order.

Judicial Safeguards

In the landmark case of Anuradha Bhasin v. Union of India, the Supreme Court of India ruled that:

• Indefinite internet shutdowns are unconstitutional.

• Restrictions must follow the principles of necessity and proportionality.

Despite this, many shutdown orders lack proper documentation and justification.

Concerns Regarding Internet Shutdowns

Violation of Fundamental Rights

Internet shutdowns restrict freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 and affect the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21, which includes access to the internet.

Lack of Oversight and Accountability

The Telecommunications Act, 2023 retains provisions similar to the colonial-era Telegraph Act, 1885. There is a lack of independent oversight mechanisms, which may lead to arbitrary or excessive use of shutdown powers.

Economic and Social Disruptions

Internet shutdowns cause significant economic losses, with India losing about USD 255.2 million in 2023. They disrupt:

• Businesses and digital services

• Education and online learning

• Communication and daily livelihoods

Impact on Democratic Processes

Shutdowns restrict press freedom, access to information, and public participation. In protest situations, they prevent citizens from expressing dissent and engaging in democratic activities.

Impact on Governance and Digital Growth

Frequent shutdowns contradict India’s vision of becoming a leader in digital governance, Artificial Intelligence, and technological innovation. They affect initiatives like Digital India and e-governance.

Arguments in Favour of Internet Shutdowns

National Security

The government uses internet shutdowns as a temporary and targeted measure to address security threats, prevent the spread of misinformation, and stop coordination of unlawful activities.

Temporary and Targeted Measures

Authorities argue that such shutdowns are short-term interventions aimed at handling specific emergencies, rather than restricting long-term internet access.

Preventing Unrest and Violence

Suspending internet services can help prevent the organization of protests, riots, or violent activities, especially in sensitive areas.

Countering Fake News and Disinformation

During crises, misinformation can spread rapidly through digital platforms. Internet shutdowns are used to limit the circulation of fake news and inflammatory content.

Arguments Against Internet Shutdowns

Impact on Freedom of Expression

Internet shutdowns restrict the freedom of speech and expression, which is a fundamental right under the Constitution.

Human Rights Concerns

Shutdowns affect several rights, including:

• Right to access information

• Freedom of speech

• Right to peaceful assembly

Economic Disruptions

India’s growing digital economy suffers due to shutdowns, leading to loss of business, productivity, and income.

Impact on Education

With the increasing reliance on online learning, shutdowns disrupt students’ access to educational resources and platforms.

Global Image and Investment

Frequent internet shutdowns can harm India’s global reputation and create uncertainty among investors and international partners.

Conclusion

Internet shutdowns may be justified in exceptional situations of public emergency, particularly for maintaining security and order. However, their frequent and non-transparent use raises concerns regarding fundamental rights, economic development, and democratic governance.

A balanced approach is necessary, involving strong legal safeguards, transparency, accountability, and proportional use, to ensure that internet shutdowns remain rare, justified, and constitutionally valid.