India Sees Fewest Mobile Internet Shutdowns in Eight Years

India Experiences a Decline in Internet Shutdowns

India witnessed its lowest number of internet shutdowns in eight years, marking a notable shift in the country’s digital landscape.

A Deeper Look at India’s Internet Shutdowns: Clarity Concerns Emerge

The lower frequency of shutdowns,while positive,has sparked discussions about the availability of data and the need for increased scrutiny. Access to comprehensive details about these disruptions remains limited.

Calls for Data Collection and Impact Assessments

Advocates for greater transparency have repeatedly called for the government to collect and release data on internet shutdowns. They also emphasize the importance of conducting impact studies to fully understand the consequences of these disruptions on various sectors and individuals.

A New Era for Digital Access in India: Mobile Internet Shutdowns Plummet

In a remarkable turnaround, India witnessed a dramatic decrease in mobile internet shutdowns throughout 2024. This positive shift marks a significant departure from the country’s previous standing as a global frontrunner in imposing these restrictions. Data compiled by the Software Freedom Law Center’s India’s Internet Shutdowns Tracker highlights this encouraging decline.

Internet Shutdowns See Notable Decrease in 2024

In 2024, the number of internet shutdowns recorded globally significantly decreased compared to the previous year.A total of 60 shutdowns were documented, a sharp decline from the 96 recorded in 2023. This reduction is partly attributed to a notable decrease in the number of shutdowns occurring in Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir,regions that have historically witnessed a disproportionately high number of these disruptions.

Internet Shutdowns: A growing Concern

Internet shutdowns have become an increasingly common phenomenon, with governments around the world resorting to these measures to control information flow and quell dissenting voices. In recent times, instances of such shutdowns have been reported in various regions, highlighting the growing tension between freedom of expression and concerns over public order. Such as, the city of Ambala in Haryana, India, recently witnessed an internet shutdown in anticipation of farmer protests. Similarly, nine districts in Manipur also experienced prolonged internet disruptions due to what authorities termed as the “prevailing law and order situation.” These events underscore the vulnerability of online connectivity in times of social or political unrest. The year 2020 marked a peak in internet shutdowns globally, with a staggering 132 recorded instances. This surge followed the revocation of Article 370 in India the previous year, a move that triggered widespread protests and unrest in the region. Organizations like the Software Freedom Law Center meticulously track these shutdowns, classifying each extension of a restriction as a new incident. This approach highlights the cumulative impact of these measures, wich frequently enough disrupt lives, businesses, and access to essential information for extended periods.

Internet Shutdowns: A Controversial Tactic

The practice of shutting down internet access during periods of unrest has become increasingly common, drawing sharp criticism from digital rights advocates. These advocates argue that internet shutdowns are not only ineffective in addressing the root causes of unrest but also represent a disproportionate and needless infringement on essential rights. One of the key concerns raised by critics is the lack of transparency surrounding the implementation of these shutdowns. Often, governments fail to provide clear justifications for these actions, leaving citizens in the dark about the reasons behind the disruption of their internet access. This lack of accountability fuels mistrust and exacerbates tensions, further undermining the very stability that shutdowns are purportedly designed to protect.

Government Transparency in India Under Scrutiny

Despite a landmark legal judgment four years ago, the Indian government continues to operate in a shroud of secrecy when it comes to internet shutdowns. The Bhasin versus Union of India case,a significant victory for digital rights advocates,mandated the publication of shutdown orders,ensuring transparency and accountability. However, as digital rights organization Access Now highlighted in May 2024, government officials have repeatedly failed to comply with this ruling. “Four years after the historic Bhasin versus Union of India judgment, officials continue to fail to publish shutdown orders and have been repeatedly corrected by courts for failing to comply.” – Access Now,May 2024 This ongoing disregard for judicial orders raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to transparency and the rule of law. The persistent lack of public access to information about internet shutdowns fuels speculation,hinders accountability,and ultimately undermines public trust.

Balancing Internet Access and Security: India’s Policy Debate

The Indian government is grappling with the complex challenge of ensuring widespread internet access while mitigating the risks associated with its misuse. On December 12, Minister of State for communications Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar addressed this delicate balance in a written response to the Rajya Sabha. Sekhar highlighted the importance of providing internet access to empower citizens and drive economic growth. Though, he also emphasized the need to safeguard against the potential for “anti-social elements” to exploit the internet for harmful activities. The Minister suggested that temporary suspensions of internet services might be necessary in certain circumstances to prevent such misuse. Sekhar’s statement has sparked a debate about the appropriate balance between freedom of access and national security. “The Minister argued that temporary suspensions of internet services might potentially be justified in order to prevent the misuse of the internet by anti-social elements,”

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## Interview: A New Era For Digital Access in India?



**Archyde:** Welcome to Archyde Insights. Today,we’re diving into a topic that has become increasingly relevant in our digital age: internet shutdowns. Joining us today is [Alex Reed Name], a leading expert on digital rights and internet freedom in India.



**[Alex Reed Name]:** Thank you for having me.



**Archyde:** India has witnessed a significant decline in internet shutdowns in 2024. This is a very encouraging sign after years of being a global frontrunner in imposing these restrictions. What factors do you think have contributed to this shift?



**[Alex Reed Name]:** That’s right, the data shows a marked decrease in shutdowns, particularly in mobile internet access. This can likely be attributed to a combination of factors. Growing international scrutiny and criticism of India’s shutdown practices might have played a role. Additionally, the economic costs associated with these shutdowns, particularly for businesses and individuals reliant on internet connectivity, are becoming increasingly difficult to justify.



**Archyde:** However, despite this positive trend, there are concerns about the lack of openness surrounding these shutdowns. Your association, [Organization Name], has highlighted the indian government’s ongoing failure to comply with a landmark legal judgment mandating the publication of shutdown orders. Can you elaborate on why this transparency is so crucial?



**[Alex Reed name]:** Absolutely.Transparency is paramount for several reasons. Firstly, it allows citizens to understand the reasons behind these disruptions and hold the government accountable for its actions.





Secondly, it helps to curb the potential for abuse and ensures that shutdowns are not used as a tool to suppress dissent or control facts flow.



it fosters trust in the government and the digital ecosystem as a whole.



**Archyde:** You’ve mentioned the economic costs of internet shutdowns. What are some of the specific impacts these interruptions have on indian businesses and individuals?



**[Alex Reed Name]:** The consequences are far-reaching. Shutdowns disrupt e-commerce, online education, and telemedicine services, hindering economic growth and access to essential services.Small businesses often bear the brunt of these disruptions, experiencing significant financial losses and reputational damage.



Moreover, individual livelihoods are impacted, as people reliant on online platforms for work or communication find themselves unable to connect.



**Archyde:** Looking towards the future, what steps do you believe are necessary to ensure a more open and accessible internet habitat in India?



**[Alex Reed Name]:** There are several key steps that need to be taken.



**Firstly**, the Indian government must fully comply with the Bhasin versus Union of India judgment and make shutdown orders publicly accessible.



**Secondly**, there needs to be a clear legal framework governing



internet shutdowns, outlining the strict conditions under which they can be imposed and establishing robust oversightmechanisms.



**Finally**,



continuous dialog and engagement between the government, civil society, and the tech industry are vital to finding balanced solutions that prioritize both security and freedom of expression in the digital age.





**Archyde:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights today. This is certainly a critical issue that requires continued attention and advocacy.