Internet Shutdowns
Who Shuts Down the Internet the Most?
Based on 873 shutdowns we've tracked since 2018
-
413 -
140 -
70 -
37 -
17 -
17 -
16 -
14 -
11 -
10
- Africa
- Americas
- Asia
- Europe
- Oceania
Ongoing
11
ongoing shutdowns around the world
118
Internet shutdowns around the world since July 2024
15
countries have experienced a total or partial Internet shutdown since July 2024
Since July 2024, the world’s population has lost a total of
22,407 hours
of access to the Internet due to intentional disruptions.
Over the past 12 months, we estimate that
US $29,607,464
has been lost in combined GDP across all countries that have experienced Internet shutdowns
Shutdowns
February 2023
873 shutdowns
-
Past
Service blocking
WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Telegram
Authorities in Iraq blocked access to several social media and messaging apps during the school exam period in a misguided attempt to curb cheating. The partial shutdown lasted for several days, with access to WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Telegram blocked from 4am - noon. Iraq is just one of several countries that regularly shuts down or restricts Internet access during national school exams. Often used as a method to stop questions from being leaked prior to exams as well as to prevent cheating during exams, these Internet shutdowns block access to for everyone, not just the students taking the exams. Restricting access affects the livelihoods of millions of people by cutting off their access to online businesses, services, and communication methods. Iraq's Ministry of Communications official Facebook page posted the following announcement:
Iraq
- Start
- End
- Total Duration 8 hours
-
Past
Service blocking
WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Telegram
Authorities in Iraq blocked access to several social media and messaging apps during the school exam period in a misguided attempt to curb cheating. The partial shutdown lasted for several days, with access to WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Telegram blocked from 4am - noon. Iraq is just one of several countries that regularly shuts down or restricts Internet access during national school exams. Often used as a method to stop questions from being leaked prior to exams as well as to prevent cheating during exams, these Internet shutdowns block access to for everyone, not just the students taking the exams. Restricting access affects the livelihoods of millions of people by cutting off their access to online businesses, services, and communication methods. Iraq's Ministry of Communications official Facebook page posted the following announcement:
Iraq
- Start
- End
- Total Duration 8 hours
-
Past
Service blocking
WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Telegram
Authorities in Iraq blocked access to several social media and messaging apps during the school exam period in a misguided attempt to curb cheating. The partial shutdown lasted for several days, with access to WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Telegram blocked from 4am - noon. Iraq is just one of several countries that regularly shuts down or restricts Internet access during national school exams. Often used as a method to stop questions from being leaked prior to exams as well as to prevent cheating during exams, these Internet shutdowns block access to for everyone, not just the students taking the exams. Restricting access affects the livelihoods of millions of people by cutting off their access to online businesses, services, and communication methods. Iraq's Ministry of Communications official Facebook page posted the following announcement:
Iraq
- Start
- End
- Total Duration 8 hours
-
Past
National shutdown
Social Media and Instant Messaging Service
Saran District
Internet services were suspended in the Jammu and Kashmir region on 02 February 2023It is believed to be imposed under Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code, which allows the government to impose curfews and other restrictions in order to maintain public order.Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact the ability of citizens to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country, or in other countries.
India
- Start
- End
- Total Duration 8 days
January 2023
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Past
Regional shutdown
Internet services were suspended in several regions in Iran on 19 January. Reports later determined that the Internet had been deliberately suspended to allow the questions of the national University entrance exams to be distributed. The #KeepItOn coalition, of which the Internet Society is a member, urges authorities to abstain from implementing Internet shutdowns during exams, noting a lack of evidence demonstrating their impact on exam cheating.
Iran
- Start
- End
- Total Duration 3 hours
-
Past
Regional shutdown
Kharkiv
Internet connectivity was reduced in Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, on 14 and 15 January. The drop in connectivity coincided with a reported “large-scale missile attack” by Russian forces, targeting electrical infrastructure in Kharkiv, causing wide-scale power outages. Internet shutdowns caused by foreign government attacks impact citizens' ability to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country or other countries.
Ukraine
- Start
- End
- Total Duration 17 hours
-
Past
Regional shutdown
Mykolayiv, Odessa
Internet connectivity was reduced in Ukraine's Mykolayiv and Odessa regions on 26 January. The drop in connectivity coincided with a reported missile attacks by Russian forces, targeting energy infrastructure in Odessa, causing wide-scale power outages. Internet shutdowns caused by foreign government attacks impact citizens' ability to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country or other countries.
Ukraine
- Start
- End
- Total Duration 12 days, 18 hours
December 2022
October 2022
September 2022
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