- Governments increasingly use internet shutdowns—termed "digital curfews" or "kill switches"—as tools for social control, especially during conflicts and protests.
- Access Now documented nearly 2,000 shutdowns between 2016 and 2024, noting a sharp increase since 2020.
- Shutdowns prevent the verification of information, block the movement of photos and videos, and disrupt basic communication for journalists and activists.
The Impact of Shutdowns
- Iran: Following protests starting in late 2025, authorities imposed massive blackouts. Iranian activist Mehdi Mahmoudian noted that the loss of access prevented him from verifying human rights violations or even communicating with family.
- India: Jammu and Kashmir experienced a 552-day blackout (2019–2021) under the guise of national security, with analysts noting that recent blanket shutdowns often bypass legal limitations.
- Ethiopia: The Tigray region endured a two-year internet cutoff, which journalist Maya Misikir described as a significant barrier to obtaining visual evidence and coordinating news gathering.
Mechanisms of Control
- Throttling: Authorities intentionally slow internet speeds to 2G levels or lower, rendering connectivity virtually unusable for modern journalism.
- Targeted Censorship: Organizations like OONI track the specific blocking of apps, social media, and VPNs, which often spikes during elections or political unrest.
- Consequences: Beyond harming journalists, these shutdowns disrupt access to food, medicine, and emergency information, often serving as a precursor to state-led violence or atrocities.