Global Internet Shutdowns

A total of 296 Internet shutdowns occurred globally in 2024, the highest recorded in any year so far.

Key Findings on Internet Shutdowns

• Myanmar had the most shutdowns (85), while India accounted for 28% of global shutdowns with 84 instances, making it the second-highest.
• Despite Myanmar leading in the number of shutdowns, India had the highest number of government-imposed Internet restrictions, enforced by both Union and State governments.
• India witnessed fewer shutdowns in 2024 compared to the previous year.
• Shutdowns in India were reported across 16 states and Union Territories, with the highest occurrences in:
  • Manipur : 21 shutdowns
  • Haryana : 12 shutdowns
  • Jammu & Kashmir : 12 shutdowns

Reasons for Internet Shutdowns in India

• 41 shutdowns were imposed due to protests.
• 23 shutdowns were enforced in response to communal violence.
• 5 Shutdowns were imposed ahead of key exams in 2024.

About Internet Shutdown

An internet shutdown is an intentional disruption of internet or electronic communications, rendering them inaccessible or effectively unusable, for a specific population or within a location, often to exert control over the flow of information.

Pros and Cons Of Internet Shutdown

Provision for Internet shutdown in India: 

Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024

• The Temporary Suspension of Telecommunication Services Rules, 2024 were issued under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (“Telecom Act”).
• The Telecom Act replaces outdated laws, including:
  • Indian Telegraph Act, 1885
  • Indian Wireless Telegraph Act, 1933
  • Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950
• The 2024 Rules supersede the 2017 rules, which were framed under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.

Who Can Order an Internet Shutdown?

• At the National Level : The Home Secretary of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has the authority to impose an Internet shutdown.
• At the State Level : The Secretary in charge of the State Home Department is authorized to issue shutdown orders.
• In Unavoidable Cases:  If neither of the above officials is available, a Joint Secretary at the Centre can issue the shutdown order.

Conditions for Shutdown Orders

• The shutdown order must be published and should clearly state the reasons for the Internet suspension.
• The geographical area of the shutdown must be explicitly defined in the order.
• The duration of the shutdown cannot exceed 15 days.
• A copy of the shutdown order must be submitted to the Review Committee within 24 hours for assessment.
• The Review Committee must evaluate the legality of the shutdown within 5 days.
• If the shutdown order is found to be unlawful, the committee has the authority to set it aside.

Review Committee Composition

• At the Central Level: Cabinet Secretary, Legal Affairs Secretary and Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT)
• At the State Level: State Secretary, Law Secretary and Another Secretary (excluding the Home Secretary)

Implementation Mechanism: Law enforcement agencies must appoint nodal officers in every State and Union Territory to oversee the enforcement of Internet shutdown orders.