India Enforced Most Internet Shutdowns For Fifth Consecutive Year, Report Claims
Internet shutdowns are a common occurrence in India. For thefifth consecutive year, India reported the highest number of internet shutdownsaround the world.
According to a new report by digital rights advocacy firmAccess Now, out of the 187 internet shutdowns that were reported across theworld in 2022, 84 came from India, out of which 49 were enforced in thecontentious region of Kashmir.
For the fifth consecutive year, India also remained thecountry with most internet shutdowns. In addition, 2022 recorded the highest number ofinternet shutdowns globally.
Why India keeps shutting off internet
"Authorities disrupted internet access at least 49times in Jammu and Kashmir due to political instability and violence, includinga string of 16 back-to-back orders for three-day-long curfew style shutdowns inJanuary and February 2022," the report said.
Access Now began documenting internet shutdowns in 2016.Since then, India has accounted for 58% of all internet shutdowns. "The responsibility?of Indian states for the majority of shutdowns globally isimpossible to ignore and a deep problem on its own," the report said.
Also read:?India Enforced Most Internet Shutdowns In 2021, Fourth Year In A Row: Report
2022 witnessed internet shutdowns in 35 countries - thehighest number recorded in a single year. After India, Russia reported the mostinternet shutdowns - enforcing internet disruption in Ukraine 22 times.
In Ethiopia, the two-year-long shutdown continued in thedelicate region of Tigray. In Myanmar, internet access was disrupted seventimes.
Top reasons for internet shutdowns included publicdemonstrations, conflicts and protests, school exams, and elections, Access Nownoted.
Also read:?India Saw 1,157 Hours Of Internet Shutdowns In 2021 Costing Tax Payer ?4,300 Crore
Internet disruptions always come with a cost, even beyondbasic connectivity. According to a UN Human Rights report from 2022,internet shutdowns have economic repercussions?in arenas like financialtransactions, labour markets, and delivery of digital services. In addition, itcan also hurt the potential flow of investments and start-up ecosystems, thereport added.
What do you think about India's obsession with internetshutdowns? Let us know in the comments below.?For more in the world of?technology?and?science, keep reading?Indiatimes.com.
