India
Haryana authorities have ordered Internet and bulk SMS services to be suspended in Sisra until 23:59 local time, 8 August 2024. The orders were issued by the Department of Home Affairs of Haryana as a precution to prevent any disturbance and spread of misinformation following the death of a notable religious leader in the region.
As noted by one report, “The Haryana government’s use of terms like “apprehension” and “clear potential” suggests the internet restriction is preventive, despite no substantial evidence of misinformation or inflammatory material on social media, as mentioned in the order. Such actions restrict legitimate information, especially during a major social development in the State, impacting people’s access to readily available means of communication, and limiting their freedom of speech and expression.”
The internet has been suspended in #Sirsa district of Haryana from 5.00 PM on August 7th till 11.59 PM on August 8th.#LetTheNetWork #KeepItOn #India #shutdown #SFLCin pic.twitter.com/QD6BXGvsLC
— InternetShutdowns.in (@NetShutdowns) August 8, 2024
It’s difficult to measure the effect of local/regional Internet shutdowns as most measurements are done at a country level.