In 2024, governments around the world, according to a report by the Digital Rights Organization, set a shocking 296 internet shutdown in 54 countries, setting a new record for digital restrictions. Now accessIt marked a sharp increase in 2023 from 283 shutdowns recorded in 39 countries. India topped the global list for six consecutive years, recorded 84 internet shutdowns in 2024, making it the most among democratic countries. However, Myanmar crossed it, where military jute put 85 blackouts, making it the worst criminal globally. Pakistan recorded the highest record for the country with 21 shutdowns, while Russia made 19 shutdowns including seven in Ukraine amidst its ongoing attack.

The report said that despite a slight decrease in the shutdown from 2023 (116 Internet shutdown), India still imposed 84 in 2024. The data showed that 41 shutdowns of India were linked to protests, while 23 were imposed due to communal violence. Additionally, five shutdowns were implemented during the government job placement examinations.

At least 16 Indian states and center regions experienced at least one internet shutdown. Manipur had the highest shutdown within the country (21), followed by Haryana (12) and Jammu and Kashmir (12). Constant disruption has criticized, experts argued that they reduce India’s aspirations for global leadership in digital rule and artificial intelligence.

The report also expressed concern about India’s recently introduced Telecom Act 2023 and Telecom Suspension Rules 2024, which maintains the provisions of colonial-era from the Telegraph Act of 1885. Critics argue that the law lacks independent inspection mechanisms to review the shutdown order, except the decision- to process government officials.

Globally, 103 shutdowns were recorded in 11 countries due to war and violence in 2024. Other major reasons included protest (74 shutdowns), examination (16 shutdowns), and election (12 shutdowns). Officers from many countries were also used to hide human rights violations, such as targeting citizens and blocking humanitarian aid.

The report also highlighted an increase in platform-specific blocks, with 71 examples recorded in 35 countries. The social media platform X owned by Elon Musk was the most blocked platform at globally, with 24 countries banned 24 times. Tiktok and Signal saw a significant increase in blocks compared to the previous year.

While the internet shutdowns have become more widespread, civil society has also intensified efforts to deal with them. The #Keepiton coalition monitored high -risk elections in 25 countries and pushed behind against protest and shutdown during examination. Advocation efforts have also led a positive developments, such as the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights, adopting a proposal, urged the member states to avoid the internet shutdown during the election. Additionally, at the 224 United Nations summit of the future, world leaders committed to avoid the Internet shutdown as part of the pate for future and global digital compact.