India Tops Global Internet Shutdowns
In 2023, India experienced the highest number of Internet shutdowns globally for the sixth year in a row, with 116 incidents reported by the Keep It On coalition. These shutdowns were primarily due to racial tensions, ongoing crime, and exam periods, aiming to prevent misinformation and cheating. However, they severely impacted regions like Manipur and Punjab, hindering human rights reporting and business operations. The economic consequences were significant, affecting GDP growth, small businesses, innovation, and investor confidence. Moving forward, it is essential to balance security needs with minimizing disruption to connectivity and economic activities.
