A report by the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) and the Human Rights Watch (HRW) has revealed that out of the 28 states in India, 18 of them implemented internet shutdowns at least once in the past three years.
The shutdowns were utilized by local authorities for various reasons, including preventing or responding to protests (54 cases), combating cheating in school and government job exams (37 cases), addressing communal violence (18 cases), and addressing other law and order concerns (18 cases). 🚫
The report sheds light on the frequent use of internet shutdowns in different parts of the country.
Most internet shutdowns in last 3 years
“Governments wield internet shutdowns as weapons of control and shields of impunity,” said Felicia Anthonio, #KeepItOn Campaign Manager at Access Now. “In 2022, from targeted blockings in the Jammu & Kashmir region, to knee-jerk shutdowns seeking to crush public protest, authorities in India worked hard to exert control further over India’s online sphere. But, slowly, they’re learning that the world is watching, and people are fighting back.”
Further tightening the grip of Prime Minister Modi’s government over online spaces, in 2022, authorities continued to weaponise internet shutdowns against millions of people and communities in India. Key findings include:
- The totals: at least 187 shutdowns across 35 countries globally, 102 shutdowns in 7 countries in Asia Pacific, 84 disruptions in India;
- The scope: since 2016, India has accounted for approximately 58% of all documented shutdowns globally;
- The targeting: authorities disrupted internet access at least 49 times in Jammu & Kashmir, including 16 back-to-back orders for three-day-long curfew-style shutdowns in January and February;
- The triggers: authorities interfered with access during high-profile events such as protests, conflict, school exams, and elections;