
On September 10, the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur imposed a five-day internet shutdown in response to student-led protests. While this sparked outrage among citizens, it came as no surprise. For nearly a decade, India has consistently ranked as the global leader in internet shutdowns, far outpacing other nations. According to data from digital rights watchdog Access Now, India frequently implements these blackouts, often citing reasons such as maintaining public order and suppressing dissent. Despite being a democracy, the country has become notorious for cutting off its citizens from the digital world during times of unrest, leading to widespread criticism both domestically and internationally.
India: The World’s Shutdown Leader
Unlike authoritarian regimes such as China, North Korea, and Russia, where internet censorship and surveillance are expected, India stands out as a democracy that frequently resorts to blackouts. From 2016 to 2023, India enforced 771 internet shutdowns — a staggering number that places it far ahead of any other nation.
Even countries like Myanmar and Ukraine, which are embroiled in active conflict, cannot match India’s numbers. In both 2023 and 2022, Myanmar and Ukraine ranked second in terms of internet shutdowns, but India’s lead was overwhelming. “There is no form of internet shutdown that is proportionate or necessary,” stated Namrata Maheshwari, senior policy counsel at Access Now, highlighting the extent of India’s blackouts.
Reasons Behind India’s Blackouts
The Indian government often justifies these shutdowns as a necessary measure to suppress dissent, maintain public order, and prevent misinformation. Blackouts have been imposed to control agitation related to the Citizenship Amendment Act, to suppress the massive farmer protests that garnered international attention, and even to prevent cheating during public examinations. This variety of justifications, while broad, is consistent with the government’s rationale of preserving order, according to the Software Freedom Law Center, India’s leading tracker on internet shutdowns.
Jammu and Kashmir, a region embroiled in decades-long territorial disputes with Pakistan and China, has borne the brunt of India’s internet shutdowns. This region alone accounts for the majority of the country’s blackouts, experiencing lengthy disruptions as a means to quell unrest. In August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir suffered the longest internet blackout in history, lasting 552 consecutive days. This unprecedented shutdown, which left millions without internet access, marked a significant chapter in India’s history of digital suppression.
The Human Impact of Shutdowns
While the government defends internet blackouts as a method to maintain public order, the human cost of these shutdowns is immense. The United Nations considers internet access a basic human right, yet in India, this right is frequently denied to millions of citizens. Internet shutdowns create severe disruptions in daily life, particularly in areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and essential services.
During an internet blackout, students lose access to online learning platforms, workers are unable to perform their jobs, and families struggle to access critical health information. In regions where blackouts are imposed during times of crisis, like protests or violent clashes, essential services are delayed. Emergency services, food supplies, and even access to justice are hampered by the inability to communicate digitally. “Internet shutdowns suppress the spread of information at crucial times,” said Shruti Narayan, Asia Pacific policy counsel at Access Now, emphasizing the devastating effect on citizens’ lives during these enforced digital blackouts.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: India Tops the List
Data from Access Now highlights India’s unparalleled position in the world of internet shutdowns. In 2022 alone, India imposed 116 internet shutdowns, significantly more than Myanmar’s 37 and Iran’s 34. Despite the enormous gap between India and other nations, the trend shows no signs of abating. As of 2023, India remains on track to continue its reign as the world leader in stifling internet connectivity.
Although some regions, like Myanmar and Ukraine, experience shutdowns due to conflict, India’s shutdowns are often imposed as preemptive or reactionary measures in response to domestic unrest, rather than the result of armed conflict. This disparity raises important questions about the necessity and proportionality of such shutdowns in a democracy.
Conclusion: India’s Paradoxical Position
India’s position as the world leader in internet shutdowns paints a paradoxical picture. On one hand, its citizens enjoy relatively free access to the internet, especially when compared to more repressive regimes. On the other hand, India’s frequent and prolonged blackouts undermine this digital freedom, effectively silencing millions during critical moments.
As a democracy, India is expected to uphold the values of free speech and the right to information. However, its reliance on internet blackouts as a tool to control dissent and maintain order suggests otherwise. The consequences of these shutdowns reach far beyond digital inconvenience — they disrupt lives, economies, and the fundamental rights of citizens.
Moving forward, it remains to be seen whether India will continue to lead the world in internet shutdowns or if it will reconsider its approach in favor of less disruptive measures. For now, India’s paradoxical blend of digital freedom and enforced blackouts continues to shape its global reputation, leaving many to question the true cost of maintaining control in the world’s largest democracy.
(Mohd Ziyauallah Khan is a freelance content writer based in Nagpur. He is also an activist and social entrepreneur, co-founder of the group TruthScape, a team of digital activists fighting disinformation on social media.)