Global Internet Shutdowns

OngoingPast
CountrySub-RegionRegion

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Shutdown Events

Country Overview - Cuba
Active Shutdowns
All Shutdowns

The high cost of fixed line access was prohibitive for most Cuban citizens until 2018, when relatively affordable mobile Internet plans became available, opening up access – albeit censored – to millions of people. The government has shutdown the Internet on a few occasions over the last years in response to protests and civil unrest.

March 2024
17 March, 2024 15:20 - 20:30 (5 hours)
Regional 
Local Impact

There are reports of Internet services being ‘curtailed’ for several hours in at least two regions in Cuba in response to protests.

Economic Impact
No data
July 2022
15 July, 2022 04:50 - 05:40 (50 minutes)
National 
Local Impact

Thousands of people took to Cuban streets across the country on 15 July 2021, to protest against the government. In response, the government swiftly shut down mobile connectivity and the telephone system to disrupt the flow of information, making it hard for citizens and activists to mobilize and communicate with each other.

Economic Impact
No data
July 2021
11 July, 2021 20:00 - 21:00 (1 hour)
National 
Local Impact

Thousands of people took to Cuban streets across the country on 11 July 2021, to protest against the government. In response, the government blocked access to messaging apps, including Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Telegram to disrupt the flow of information, making it hard for citizens and activists to mobilize and communicate with each other.

Economic Impact
No data
November 2020
27 November - 30 November, 2020 (4 days)
National 
Local Impact

Authorities in Cuba disrupted messaging and streaming apps over four days at the end of 2020 during a rare protest over citizens’ rights.

Economic Impact
No data