India experienced a slight decline in internet shutdowns in 2024, recording a total of 84 incidents. However, it ranked second globally, just behind Myanmar, which had 85 shutdowns, according to a report released by the advocacy organization Access Now. Overall, there were 296 shutdowns across 54 different countries during the year.
The report pointed out that while there was a modest reduction in shutdowns compared to 2023, India still accounted for the highest number of disruptions among democracies, with shutdowns impacting residents in 16 states and territories. The most significant numbers were seen in Manipur (21 shutdowns), Haryana (12), and Jammu & Kashmir (12). Of the total 84 shutdowns reported in India, 41 were associated with protests, and 23 were related to instances of communal violence.
The number of internet shutdowns increased globally in 2024, surpassing the 283 recorded in 39 countries in 2023, marking a 35% rise in the number of countries affected compared to the previous record high in 2022, which saw shutdowns in 40 countries. This year also introduced seven new countries to the list of offenders.
As 2024 drew to a close, 47 internet shutdowns were still in effect, with 35 of those ongoing for more than a year. The report, titled “Emboldened Offenders, Endangered Communities: Internet Shutdowns in 2024,” indicated that the trend of internet shutdowns poses a persistent threat to human rights and safety on a global scale.
In a notable recurring theme, India tied its 2018 record by imposing five internet shutdowns linked to government job placement examinations. For example, in Jharkhand, an exam-related shutdown took place for general graduate level examinations over a duration of five and a half hours on September 22. Similarly, shutdowns were enacted in Assam for government job exams and in Rajasthan for the Rajasthan Public Service Commission exam in January. The report criticized these shutdowns as an excessive response to concerns over exam integrity.
The report also highlighted that ‘X’ emerged as the most frequently blocked platform globally in 2024, facing 24 blocks in 14 countries, the highest number since 2019. Meanwhile, TikTok was blocked 10 times across 10 countries this year, increasing from 6 blocks in 2023. Active bans from 2024 extending into 2025 were reported in India, Jordan, and Kyrgyzstan.
