Internet Shutdowns
Who Shuts Down the Internet the Most?
Based on 926 shutdowns we've tracked since 2018
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434 -
160 -
73 -
37 -
18 -
17 -
17 -
14 -
11 -
10
- Africa
- Americas
- Asia
- Europe
- Oceania
Ongoing
13
ongoing shutdowns around the world
105
Internet shutdowns around the world since March 2025
15
countries have experienced a total or partial Internet shutdown since March 2025
Since March 2025, the world’s population has lost a total of
21,272 hours
of access to the Internet due to intentional disruptions.
Over the past 12 months, we estimate that
US $191,106,132
has been lost in combined GDP across all countries that have experienced Internet shutdowns
Shutdowns
August 2023
926 shutdowns
-
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
- End
- 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
- End
- 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
- End
- 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
- End
- Total Duration 7 days, 4 hours
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Past
Regional shutdown
Internet mobile
Haryana
Authorities have ordered mobile Internet services to be suspended in the Nuh district of Haryana after communal clashes. Consequent orders were issued to extend the suspension until 8, 11, and 13 August 2023. The Nuh administration said in an official statement, “In order to stop the spread of misinformation and rumors through various social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Twitter, etc. on mobile phones and SMS, for facilitation and mobilization of mobs of agitators and demonstrators who can cause serious loss of life and damage to public and private properties by indulging in arson or vandalism and other types of violent activities." Per Wikipedia, the Nuh district (formerly known as Mewat district) is one of the 22 districts in the Indian state of Haryana. It had a population of 1.09 million in 2011. 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 13 days, 7 hours
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Past
National shutdown
On Monday, 31 July 2023, the Senegal Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy issued a communique stating that mobile Internet services would be "temporarily suspended" during certain unspecified hours starting on July 31. All mobile providers were ordered to comply. This follows the arrest over the weekend of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko on new charges. Earlier in June, the government of Senegal shut down access to social media services amidst nationwide protests over the sentencing of Sonko. The government of Senegal expanded the blocking of services to include TikTok on Tuesday, 2 August 2023. Over 55 civil society organizations issued a statement on 3 August 2023 calling on the government of Senegal to restore Internet access. The Internet Society's Senegal Chapter was one of the signatories. By Monday, 7 August 2023, data from Senegal indicated that mobile connectivity was restored, but users reported that TikTok continued to be blocked. Articles summarizing the situation include: Senegal is stifling its democracy in the dark - .coda Senegal authorities arrest opposition frontrunner, ban his party and cut internet - Guardian
Senegal
- Start
- End
- Total Duration 7 days
-
Past
Regional shutdown
Mobile Internet
Kaimur, Bihar
Local authorities ordered mobile Internet services suspended in the Kaimur district following public unrest. 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 other countries.
India
- Start
- End
- Total Duration 2 days, 2 hours
-
Past
Service blocking
Social media and messaging services
Darbhanga District
Officials in Darbhanga District have ordered for social networking sites and instant messaging service to be blocked for 72 hours to reduce 'objectionable content' being spread amongst the public that may "incite offences and disturb the peace". The district administration took the decision to stop the Internet services under section 5 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. 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 3 days
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Past
National shutdown
Another four-hour shutdown of the Internet for everyone in Iraq on 17 July 2023, in the Iraq government's belief that this will reduce cheating during high school exams. As we have repeatedly written about here on Pulse, Internet shutdowns cause great harm to a country’s economy and society and are in our opinion NOT the appropriate mechanism to cope with potential exam cheating.
Iraq
- Start
- End
- Total Duration 4 hours
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Past
National shutdown
Another four-hour shutdown of the Internet for everyone in Iraq, in the Iraq government's belief that this will reduce cheating during high school exams. The shutdowns are expected to continue on 17 July 2023. As we have repeatedly written about here on Pulse, Internet shutdowns cause great harm to a country’s economy and society and are in our opinion NOT the appropriate mechanism to cope with potential exam cheating.
Iraq
- Start
- End
- Total Duration 4 hours
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