India Second to Iran in Internet Shutdowns, and Alarming Restrictions: Report

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India has been grappling with a concerning trend of internet shutdowns, ranking second globally after Iran, according to data from the Surfshark Internet Shutdown Tracker. The country has witnessed a surge in restrictions, nearly catching up to the total number of shutdowns observed in 2022. This pattern of limiting digital access raises significant concerns about digital freedom and human rights in the country.

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In a recent development, Jammu and Kashmir, a region in India, showed a noteworthy decline in new internet shutdown cases during the first half of 2023. Compared to 35 cases recorded during the same period in 2022, the region reported only two shutdowns. This positive shift in Jammu and Kashmir indicates progress towards ensuring uninterrupted online access for its residents.

However, despite this glimmer of hope, the overall situation in India remains worrisome. Gabriele Racaityte-Krasauske, a spokesperson for Surfshark, expressed deep concern over the alarming surge in internet restrictions, especially during times of protests. One notable incident took place in March, when India cut off internet access for a staggering 27 million people while simultaneously arresting 112 individuals and hunting for a Sikh separatist.