Internet shutdown
Context:
In recent times, India saw numerous instances where the internet was shut down due to communal violence and protests. According to a report by Access Now, India accounted for nearly 95% of all shutdowns related to communal violence since 2018 and 57% of shutdowns due to protests in 2024, the highest globally.
Relevance:
GS-02 (Indian Polity—Fundamental Rights)
Dimensions of the Article:
- What is an Internet shutdown?
- Key Highlights
- Consequences of Internet Shutdowns
- Way forward
What is an Internet shutdown?
- It’s a restriction imposed by the government on access to the internet, either fully cutting off connectivity or partially limiting access to specific services like social media.
- Internet shutdowns happen at different levels. Either to an entire state or to specific districts.
- These shutdowns are often justified on grounds of maintaining law and order.
Key Highlights
- India witnessed a whopping 88 shutdowns due to communal violence in 2023 and 2024, accounting for 100% of such global shutdowns.
- Manipur had the highest (54 instances), followed by Bihar (9) and Haryana (7).
- In 2024, India recorded 41 shutdowns due to protests, the highest in the last seven years, making up 57% of global shutdowns for this reason. Manipur, Haryana, and Punjab were the most affected.
- Trend Over the Years:
- In 2024, over 50% of shutdowns were due to protests.
- In 2023, over 50% were due to communal violence.
- In 2021-22, political instability was the main reason for shutdowns.
Consequences of Internet Shutdowns
- Impact on Fundamental Rights: It directly violates one’s right to freedom of speech and expression (Article 19). And it also hinders their access to information, affecting democratic participation.
- Economic disruptions: They affect businesses, banking, e-commerce, and digital transactions.
- Disruptions in Education & Healthcare: Affect various services like online learning and even affect essential services like telemedicine and other health services.
- Security Paradox: While aimed at curbing violence, shutdowns often fuel misinformation and panic due to a lack of verified information. It also affects law enforcement operations that rely on digital tracking and coordination.
- Global Reputation & Governance Concerns: Affects investor confidence in the country’s digital infrastructure and governance.
Way Forward
- Judicial Oversight: Clear legal guidelines must be established to ensure shutdowns are imposed only in exceptional cases with proper judicial review.
- Proportionality & Transparency: Authorities should use targeted restrictions instead of blanket shutdowns and publicly justify their decisions.
- Use of Technology for Conflict Management: Instead of shutdowns, the government should enhance digital monitoring, AI-based misinformation detection, and law enforcement efficiency.
- International Best Practices: India should adopt global models where internet curbs are minimal, targeted, and time-bound.
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