India pays massive price for Internet shutdowns

NT Correspondent

New Delhi: India has incurred significantly higher financial losses from internet suspensions in the first half of 2023 compared to the entirety of 2022.

The findings were based on data analyzed by the global tracker, Top10VPN, according to a recent report by Business Standard. By June 2023, India had already lost a staggering $255.2 million, surpassing the $184.3 million lost in the entirety of 2022. These figures highlight the dire economic consequences of internet shutdowns in the country.

The report draws attention to India's troubling record of internet shutdowns, as highlighted in Access Now's mid-year report. Access Now identifies India as one of the "worst offenders" when it comes to imposing internet shutdowns. In fact, India has consistently topped Access Now's annual count of internet shutdowns worldwide for the past five years.

While some shutdowns in India are implemented at a local or neighborhood level in response to religious anniversaries, protests, or communal violence, authorities have also imposed sweeping statewide and nationwide shutdowns. Access Now emphasizes that the scope and duration of these shutdowns have significantly impacted the entire country. As of May 19, the report records that 13 states in India have already implemented a total of 33 shutdowns.

Furthermore, as of June 18, India has experienced a staggering 2,353 hours of shutdowns, affecting approximately 43.2 million users across the country, according to the Business Standard report citing Top10VPN. The report highlights specific instances of shutdowns, such as during exams in Rajasthan, a state-wide police search in Punjab for Amritpal Singh, and an ongoing closure in Manipur.

These incidents have left tens of millions of people without internet access for days or even weeks. In Manipur, the internet ban, which was initially imposed due to ethnic violence starting on May 3, has been extended until June 20. The state has been without internet for a month and a half, further exacerbating the challenges faced by its residents.

The significant financial losses and repeated internet shutdowns underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address this issue. The economic, social, and educational repercussions of these suspensions are deeply concerning, and concerted efforts are required to find alternative means of managing security concerns while minimizing the impact on citizens' lives.