India Faced Over 3,000 Hours Of Internet Shutdowns In 2024, Costing Some $236 Million

Internet shutdowns, a growing global concern, disrupt communication, commerce, and access to information apart from impacting digital freedom. India, in 2024, experienced 60 internet shutdowns, amounting to 3,160 hours of internet blockade (131.6 days). These shutdowns ranged from brief, localised restrictions to extended statewide disruptions, according SFLC.in, a legal services organisation that also tracks internet shutdowns.

In 2024, there was a notable 37.5% reduction in shutdowns, compared to 2023, which experienced a total of 96 shutdowns, reflecting significant improvements. Of the shutdowns, 32 (53.33%) were preventive, which were implemented by authorities to avoid potential unrest or violence. Conversely, 27 (45%) were reactive shutdowns, which occurred after some serious incidents unfolded.

Special internet shutdown cases refer to instances where internet access is deliberately suspended in certain areas for specific reasons. Below, we highlight several notable cases where such shutdowns were implemented under unique circumstances.

Manipur Unrest: The state of Manipur faced 11 internet shutdowns, amounting to nearly 1,104 hours (46 days) of internet blackout. 

Jainoor Protests: On Sept. 4, 2024, violence erupted in Jainoor village, Telangana. While the violence was curbed in a few days, the internet blockade lasted over 40 days. 

Cheating In Exams: There were five region-wide internet shutdowns during examinations, amounting to 36.5 hours of internet blockade. 

Farmers' Protest: Internet restrictions during the farmers’ protest continued in 2024 with a total of 16 shutdowns amounting to a total of 960 hours (40 days) of internet blockade. 

In 2024, 49 shutdowns (81.67%) restricted only mobile internet access, but broadband connections remained intact, with 0 shutdowns. Eight instances (13.33%) occurred when mobile and broadband services were cut off.

Internet disruptions incur significant costs. According to Top 10 VPN’s estimates, the total economic cost of internet disruptions amounted to $236.7 million. This includes losses from business shutdowns, missed economic opportunities, and disruptions to educational activities. The losses remain significant, even though there was a 59.8% decrease from losses in 2023, which amounted to $585.4 million.

Additionally, there was a human impact on individuals' lives, well-being, and societal structures. While internet shutdowns cut access to online classes for thousands of students, affecting their academic year, entrepreneurs and small businesses struggled without digital tools for their daily operations.