India
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.
Haryana: Violence that broke out in Nuh over Junaid-Nasir murder accused "cow vigilante" Monu Manesar, spreads to Gurgaon, Faridabad & Palwal!
In Nuh, internet has been shut down & section 144 imposed! Paramilitary forces are now on ground!
Visuals from Sohna Chowk, Gurugram: https://t.co/pLxbRz9BJk pic.twitter.com/1ez6C2LfOO
— Muslim Spaces (@MuslimSpaces) July 31, 2023
Disturbing incident in Haryana! Journalists were forced to shut down cameras during the riots and asked about their religion. What is happening in our country? This raises serious concerns about press freedom and religious discrimination. We must stand united against such actions… pic.twitter.com/etJu1FyOPI
— Shuja Gandhi (@ShujaGandhi) August 1, 2023
#JustIn : Amid "intense communal tension", #Haryana govt orders shutdown of #internet services in #Nuh.#India #Mewat pic.twitter.com/z9Oi1RYkOb
— Vikas Lohchab (@TheVikasLohchab) July 31, 2023
It’s difficult to measure the effect of local/regional Internet shutdowns as most measurements are done at a country level.