The year 2024 witnessed an alarming rise in internet shutdowns globally, with governments increasingly using digital blackouts to suppress protests and control dissent. According to a report by Access Now, a digital rights advocacy group, Myanmar, India, and Pakistan were among the worst offenders, reflecting a growing trend of restricting online communication.
The #KeepItOn coalition, led by Access Now, documented 296 internet shutdowns across 54 countries, marking a 35% rise from 2022. Seven countries appeared on the list of offenders for the first time, and as 2024 ended, 47 shutdowns were still in effect, with many lasting over a year, signaling their use as a tool for political control.
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While conflicts remained a major trigger for these disruptions, other factors like protests played a significant role. India imposed 84 shutdowns in 2024, the highest for any democracy, while Pakistan saw a record 21 shutdowns. Myanmar led the list with 85 shutdowns as the military regime continued to tighten its grip on power after the 2021 coup.
Felicia Anthonio, #KeepItOn Campaign Manager, warned of a “democratic recession,” pointing to the sharp rise in protest-related shutdowns across multiple nations. The report also highlighted a growing number of platform-specific blocks, with X, Signal, and TikTok being targeted the most. Digital rights groups have called for governments to end these shutdowns and restore access to essential communication platforms.
