Internet Shutdown in India

Source: DH

Context: India recorded 84 internet shutdowns in 2024, the highest among democratic countries, according to Access Now’s report.

• It is the first time in six years that India did not top the global list, with Myanmar surpassing India with 85 shutdowns.

About Internet Shutdown in India:

• What is an Internet Shutdown? A government-imposed disruption of internet services to restrict access to online communication platforms. Often used during protests, communal violence, exams, elections, and security operations.

• A government-imposed disruption of internet services to restrict access to online communication platforms.

• Often used during protests, communal violence, exams, elections, and security operations.

• Laws Governing Internet Shutdowns in India: Indian Telegraph Act (1885): Allows shutdowns in cases of “public emergency” or “public safety,” but lacks clear definitions. Section 144 of CrPC (Pre-2017): Used to impose internet bans under public safety concerns. Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (2017): Requires approval from a review committee within 48 hours and mandates transparency in shutdowns.

• Indian Telegraph Act (1885): Allows shutdowns in cases of “public emergency” or “public safety,” but lacks clear definitions.

• Section 144 of CrPC (Pre-2017): Used to impose internet bans under public safety concerns.

• Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (2017): Requires approval from a review committee within 48 hours and mandates transparency in shutdowns.

• Global Ranking of Internet Shutdowns (2024 Report)

• State-wise Internet Shutdowns in India (2024) Manipur – 21 shutdowns (Highest) Haryana – 12 shutdowns Jammu & Kashmir – 12 shutdowns

• Manipur – 21 shutdowns (Highest)

• Haryana – 12 shutdowns

• Jammu & Kashmir – 12 shutdowns

• Reasons for Internet Shutdowns in India (2024) Protests – 41 shutdowns Communal violence – 23 shutdowns Government job exams – 5 shutdowns

• Protests – 41 shutdowns

• Communal violence – 23 shutdowns

• Government job exams – 5 shutdowns