India has highest Internet shutdowns in 2023

The recently released data by Access Now, a not-for profit organisation, has stated that India recorded the highest number of Internet shutdowns globally in 2023.

Highlights of the data:

Global Rankings:

• With 37 orders, Myanmar is second, following India’s lead in the number of Internet shutdowns.
• Iran (34), Palestine (16), and Ukraine (8) also recorded significant numbers of shutdowns.

India’s Rankings:

• India experienced 116 Internet shutdowns in 2023.
• States and Union Territories with notable shutdowns include Manipur and Punjab.

Impacts of Internet Shutdowns:

Social and Human Rights Concerns:

• In Manipur, the shutdowns severely impacted the ability to document and report atrocities, including gender-based violence.
• The lack of Internet access hindered accountability for severe crimes such as murder, rape, and arson.

Legal and Compliance Issues:

• Inconsistencies in publishing Internet shutdown orders, despite Supreme Court guidelines requiring transparency in these actions.

Economic and Social Consequences:

• Internet shutdowns have clear economic repercussions and disproportionately impacted marginalized communities.
• These measures also obscure the documentation and reporting of atrocities, affecting broader societal accountability.

Ref: Source