A disturbing trend of government-enforced internet shutdowns is sweeping the globe, prompting urgent warnings from the United Nations. Over the last two years, at least 300 incidents have been recorded across more than 54 countries. UNESCO recently issued a statement highlighting that these digital blackouts pose a severe threat to freedom of expression, access to information, and fundamental human rights.
According to data from the civil society group Access Now, 2024 stood out as the worst year for internet shutdowns since 2016. Unfortunately, this momentum has not slowed; the trend has continued into 2026, with several governments imposing blanket shutdowns during major demonstrations and electoral processes.
A Barrier to Democratic Participation
UNESCO emphasises that online connectivity is no longer a luxury but a central pillar of democratic participation. When governments cut access during protests or crises, they effectively dismantle the exercise of basic rights.
“Access to information is an integral part of the universal right to freedom of expression,” the agency stated. Beyond communication, internet connectivity is essential for:
Education: Students lose access to learning platforms.
Freedom of Assembly: Citizens cannot coordinate or associate freely.
Socio-Political Life: Participation in cultural and political activities grinds to a halt.
Furthermore, these disruptions serve as a breeding ground for misinformation. When journalists and public authorities are silenced, verified information disappears, allowing rumours and unverified content to spread unchecked.
High-Profile Shutdowns: A Global Snapshot
Recent months have seen a series of targeted digital restrictions and total blackouts used as tools of political control.
1. Iran (January 2026): Authorities imposed a near-total nationwide blackout during renewed protests. This sharply curtailed communication and disrupted businesses.
2. Afghanistan (September–October 2025): The Taliban ordered a nationwide shutdown, which constrained humanitarian operations and severely limited education access for women and girls.
3. Nepal (September 2025): Instead of a total blackout, authorities suspended access to 26 social media and messaging platforms amid political unrest.
4. Sri Lanka (2024): A new law granted the government broad powers to restrict online content, sparking fears of a shrinking digital civic space.
Additionally, African nations have faced similar challenges during election cycles. Connectivity was significantly disrupted in Cameroon during the October 2025 presidential election, while Tanzania faced criticism for imposing partial shutdowns and restrictions during its polls in the same month.
The Human Cost of Disconnection
The human rights implications of these blackouts are devastating. A 2022 report from the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) detailed how shutdowns cripple essential services. For instance, digital blackouts prevent hospitals from contacting doctors during emergencies and leave protesters unable to call for help during violent crackdowns.
Consequently, the UN found that internet shutdowns rarely meet international standards of legality, necessity, and proportionality. Because they are indiscriminate, they affect millions of people who have nothing to do with the crisis at hand, deepening the global digital divide and stalling economic progress.
Q&A: Understanding the Impact of Internet Shutdowns
Q: Why are internet shutdowns considered so dangerous by the UN? A: They act as an “indiscriminate” tool that cuts off verified information. This not only violates the right to free speech but also endangers lives by disrupting emergency healthcare and humanitarian aid.
Q: Do shutdowns actually help maintain order during protests? A: Evidence suggests the opposite. Shutdowns often fuel misinformation and rumours, which can lead to increased confusion and violence rather than restoring order.
Q: Which year saw the highest number of shutdowns recently? A: 2024 was recorded as the worst year for shutdowns since 2016, a trend that has persisted into early 2026.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
What is an “internet shutdown”? An internet shutdown is an intentional disruption of internet or electronic communications, rendering them inaccessible or unusable for a specific population or within a location.
How do shutdowns affect elections? Governments may use them to control the narrative, prevent the coordination of protests, or stop voters from accessing information about candidates, thereby undermining the fairness of the democratic process.
What are the principles of legality, necessity, and proportionality? These are international human rights standards. For a restriction to be valid, it must be backed by law (legality), be essential to achieve a legitimate goal (necessity), and not affect more people or rights than is strictly required (proportionality).
Which countries have recently imposed shutdowns? Recent incidents have been recorded in Iran, Afghanistan, Nepal, Cameroon, and Tanzania, among others.
Can businesses operate during a shutdown? Rarely. Modern economies rely on digital connectivity for payments, logistics, and communication. Near-total blackouts, like the one in Iran in 2026, often cause significant financial losses.