the global internet shutdown report
for the sixth consecutive year
India recorded 116 cases of internet
shutdowns in 2023, accounting for
41% of at least 283 cases in 39
countries globally, according to
data analyzed by Access Now, a
non-profit group focusing on
digital rights. .
As a result, India is now leading the
world in such action for the sixth
consecutive year. In 2023, Myanmar
followed India with 37 internet
shutdowns, followed by Iran with
34 internet shutdowns. Palestine
and Ukraine saw 16 and 8
shutdowns, respectively. There
were shutdowns 7 times in
Pakistan and 6 times in Iraq.
Facebook was blocked 23 times in
11 countries, followed by Twitter 21
times in 10 countries. WhatsApp
was blocked 19 times in 9 countries
and YouTube 17 times in 7
countries. Grindr was blocked 12
times in 12 countries.
India
"The shutdown reportedly cost the
country [India] $1.9 billion and $118
million in foreign investment in the
first half of 2023 alone," the report
said. One day's shutdown can push
379 people into unemployment in
the country.
It was inspired by a 47-hour bandh
in Manipur in India and a statewide
bandh in Punjab in March. In 2023,
74 internet shutdowns in nine
countries, including India, were
caused by conflicts and 63
shutdowns in 15 countries were
caused by protests. To prevent
cheating in examinations,
shutdowns were ordered twelve
times in six countries including
India.
