Internet Shutdowns

• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Kurdistan

  Iraq

  • Start 9 August 2023 03:00 UTC
  • End 9 August 2023 05:00 UTC
  • Total Duration 2 hours
• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Kurdistan

  Iraq

  • Start 8 August 2023 03:00 UTC
  • End 8 August 2023 05:00 UTC
  • Total Duration 2 hours
• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Kurdistan

  Iraq

  • Start 7 August 2023 03:00 UTC
  • End 7 August 2023 05:00 UTC
  • Total Duration 2 hours
• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Mobile Internet

  Punch, Jammu and Kashmir

  Authorities ordered for mobile Internet services to be briefly suspended in the division of Punch, Jammu and Kashmir.

  India

  • Start 6 August 2023 18:00 UTC
  • End 6 August 2023 23:00 UTC
  • Total Duration 5 hours
• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Kurdistan

  Iraq

  • Start 6 August 2023 03:00 UTC
  • End 6 August 2023 05:00 UTC
  • Total Duration 2 hours
• Past

  Service blocking

  Telegram

  Government of Iraq banned Telegram, an instant messaging service, on Iraq networks from the 5 August 2023. The Ministry of Telecommunication in the country issued a statement that upper authorities connected to national security mandated blocking access to the service. The blocking is apparent on all Iraqi networks except AS206206 – Kurdistan Net Company for Computer and Internet Ltd. On August 14, the government stated that they have reached an agreement where the company complied to the government requests, Telegram access to the service was restored as a result.

  Iraq

  • Start 5 August 2023 00:00 UTC
  • End 15 August 2023 00:00 UTC
  • Total Duration 10 days
• Past

  Regional shutdown

  mobile, fixed

  Amhara

  On 3 August 2023, Ethiopian authorities ordered network operators servicing the Amhara region in the country's North East to suspend mobile Internet services, fixed line Internet, and access to social media and communications platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). Although no explanation was given these orders came amid escalating conflict between federal military forces and members of the Amhara Fano fighters. It is the second time in 2023 that the people of Amhara region have specifically been subjected to Internet disruptions. The Amhara region is the second largest in Ethiopia, home to around 40 million people. [Update] As of 14 July 2024, mobile Internet services had reportedly been restored in 19 cities across Ethiopia’s Amhara region. However, residents report that connection speeds remain slow and inconsistent.

  Ethiopia

  • Start 3 August 2023 00:00 UTC
  • End 14 July 2024 00:00 UTC
  • Total Duration 346 days
• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Mobile Internet

  Alwar and Bharatpur, Rajasthan

  On 1 August, local authorities ordered Internet Service Providers to suspend mobile Internet services in areas of Bharatpur and  Alwar districts in Rajasthan for 24 hours. This was later extended until the morning of 3 August. Both Alwar and Bharatpur share a border with Nuh district in Haryana where communal violence erupted on 31 July and also resulted in Internet shutdowns.  

  India

  • Start 1 August 2023 00:00 UTC
  • End 3 August 2023 00:00 UTC
  • Total Duration 2 days

July 2023

• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Mobile Internet

  Gurugram, Haryana

  Local authorities ordered mobile Internet and SMS (with the exception of banking and mobile recharge) services to be suspended in the Palwal and Gurugram districts following public unrest in the neighboring Nuh district. According to reports, the original suspension was extended until 5 August after a three-hour relaxation on 3 August. 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 31 July 2023 22:30 UTC
  • End 5 August 2023 23:59 UTC
  • Total Duration 5 days, 1 hour
• Past

  Regional shutdown

  Mobile Internet

  Faridabad, Haryana

  Local authorities ordered mobile Internet and SMS (except banking and mobile recharge) services to be suspended in the Faridabad district following public unrest in the neighboring Nuh district. The original two-day suspension order was extended twice until 7 August, with a three-hour reprieve. 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 31 July 2023 19:30 UTC
  • End 7 August 2023 23:59 UTC
  • Total Duration 7 days, 4 hours