Global Internet Shut-off: India Topped the List

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Global Internet Shut-off

News Highlight

According to a Global Internet Shut-Off report by Access Now and the KeepItOn coalition, India enforced as many as 84 internet shutdowns in 2022.

Key Takeaway

  • In 2022, India imposed approximately 84 internet shutdowns.
  • For the fifth year, it topped the list of countries that ordered internet shutdowns.
  • ‘Weapons of control, shields of impunity: Internet shutdowns in 2022,’ according to the paper.
  • Access Now and the Keeplton coalition released it.
  • Protests, war, school examinations, and elections were all reasons for shutdowns.

Global Internet Shut-Off: Report highlights

  • About
    • The paper “Weapons of control, shields of impunity: Internet shutdowns in 2022”, was released by Access Now and the KeepItOn Coalition.
    • According to the estimate, India will have 84 internet shutdowns in 2022 due to protests, disputes, school exams, and elections.
    • According to the research, India topped the list of countries suffering internet outages for the sixth consecutive year.
  • Indian Scenario
    • The Internet was shut down 49 times in Jammu and Kashmir in 2022, the most of any state in the country.
    • Rajasthan authorities ordered shutdowns on 12 occasions, followed by West Bengal authorities on seven occasions.
  • Global Scenario
    • In 2022, at least 187 internet shutdowns were observed across 35 nations.
    • Thirty-three of these 35 countries has committed repeated offences.
    • Ukraine ranks second with 22 internet shutdowns in 2022, followed by Iran with 18, and Myanmar ranks fourth with seven internet shutdowns.
    • By March 2022, parts of Myanmar had been dark for more than 500 days.
    • People in Tigray, Ethiopia, had been without communication for more than two years by the end of 2022, and many remained disconnected.

Internet Shutdown Provisions in India

  • The Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, are governed by the Indian Telegraph Act 1885.
  • The 2017 Guidelines provide for temporarily closing telecom services in a region during a public emergency.
  • And give senior Home Ministry bureaucrats at the central and state levels the authority to order shutdowns.
  • The 1885 Act gives the national government the authority to regulate and licence all forms of telecom services, including internet services.

Impact of Internet Shutdowns

  • Economic impact
    • Internet shutdowns can cause significant economic losses, especially for firms that rely on the internet.
  • Social impact
    • Shutdowns influence residents’ capacity to interact with loved ones, obtain information, and exercise their right to free expression.
    • It also violates democratic rights by restricting freedom of speech and expression, guaranteed by Article 19 of the Constitution.
  • Political impact
    • Governments frequently utilise internet shutdowns to suppress dissent, restrict information, and limit political opposition.
  • Psychological impact
    • Internet outages can create worry, anxiety, and mental health problems.
    • Particularly for individuals who rely on the internet for a living or to stay in touch with family and friends.
  • Educational Setbacks
    • Internet shutdowns can impede educational activity, particularly for pupils relying on online learning resources.
  • Legal implications
    • Shutdowns can also have legal consequences because they may infringe on fundamental rights provided by the Indian Constitution and international human rights legislation.

UN’s Key Recommendations

  • To states
    • Governments should avoid implementing the whole spectrum of Internet shutdowns.
    • Any Internet shutdowns must be:
      • Grounded in specific, publicly available law.
      • Necessary to achieve a legitimate aim.
      • Proportional to the legitimate aim.
  • To Companies
    • Strengthen involvement and collaboration with all stakeholders involved in preventing and reversing communication disruption.
  • To regional organisations and international organisations
    • When creating and implementing Internet connection cooperation programmes, ensure that the hazards of Internet shutdowns are considered.
  • To civil society
    • Reinforce your efforts to avoid, detect, research, and respond to internet outages.

Way Forward

  • International organisations like the UN can pressure governments that shut down the internet to respect human rights and keep the internet open and accessible.
  • Governments can enact laws and regulations to preserve citizens’ internet access rights and prevent arbitrary shutdowns.
  • When the internet goes down, technological alternatives such as mesh networks and satellite communication can be employed to give alternative internet connectivity.

Pic Courtesy: Business Today

Content Source: Indian Express

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