By Tech Desk
India recorded 84 internet shutdowns in 2024, the highest among democratic nations, surpassed only by Myanmar, which saw 85 such blackouts imposed by the military junta in the country, according to a report by digital rights organisation Access Now.
This is the first time in six years that India has not been named as the country which saw the most number of internet shutdowns in the world.
“Despite a modest decrease in shutdowns from 2023 [116 internet shutdowns], India still imposed 84 in 2024, the most disruptions ordered in a democracy that year,” the report published on Monday read.
Out of the 84 shutdowns, 41 were related to protests while 23 of them were triggered by communal violence, as per the report. Five internet shutdowns were imposed by authorities during government job placement examinations last year.
At least one internet shutdown was imposed in over 16 Indian states and Union Territories.
The state-wise data further revealed that the state government in Manipur imposed the most number of shutdowns (21) within the country, followed by Haryana (12), and Jammu & Kashmir (12).
“Shutdowns are incompatible with India’s global leadership ambitions, whether on AI, digital governance, or skilling. In no other democracy are people cut off from connectivity without oversight or accountability, year after year,” Namrata Maheshwari, senior policy counsel at Access Now, said in a statement.
This story was originally published in indianexpress.com. Read the full story here.