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India Ranked Second in Internet Shutdowns in 2024
Context: India no longer holds the record for the highest number of internet shutdowns in the world, with Myanmar surpassing it by one additional disruption in 2024, according to a report by advocacy group Access Now.
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- However, the Union and State Governments in India were responsible for more total shutdowns than any other governing authority globally, including Myanmar’s military junta.
Internet Shutdowns in India Decline
- The number of internet shutdowns in India saw a decline in 2024 compared to the previous year.
- However, 16 states and union territories still experienced disruptions, with Manipur (21), Haryana (12), and Jammu & Kashmir (12) imposing the highest number of shutdowns.
- The report highlighted that of the 84 internet shutdowns imposed in India, 41 were linked to protests, while 23 were imposed in response to communal violence.
Global Trends: A Record Number of Shutdowns in 2024
- Globally, 296 internet shutdowns were recorded in 2024—the highest ever documented in a single year.
- India accounted for 28% of these shutdowns, with a total of 84 curbs, while Myanmar led the list with 85 shutdowns.
- The report also pointed out that 11 shutdowns in Myanmar were imposed by other countries and groups.
- China (2) and Thailand (4) disrupted internet access in specific regions of Myanmar, while the National Unity Government (NUG), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) each imposed one shutdown in areas under their control.
- The remaining two shutdowns were imposed by unidentified entities.
Exam-Related Shutdowns in India Raise Concerns
- In 2024, authorities imposed five shutdowns ahead of major examinations to curb potential cheating.
- For instance, the Jharkhand government imposed a shutdown on September 22 during the General Graduate Level Combined Competitive Examinations, lasting five and a half hours from the morning through the afternoon.
- Similarly, Assam cut off internet access across most districts for government job exams in September.
- Rajasthan also implemented a shutdown for the Rajasthan Public Service Commission exam in January.
A Pattern of Digital Censorship?
- Despite India’s declining numbers, it remains among the world’s top perpetrators of internet shutdowns, often citing security concerns, protests, and exams as reasons.
- With Myanmar leading the list in 2024, global watchdogs have urged greater scrutiny and stronger legal safeguards against the arbitrary suspension of digital access.
As internet shutdowns continue to be used as a tool for control, the debate over security versus digital freedom remains unresolved, with India at the centre of this global conversation.
