The Bad Ending of Internet Shutdowns in India

•Drop in Shutdowns: In 2024, India saw a slight decline in internet shutdowns compared to that observed for the previous year; this is according to a report by the Software Freedom Law Center (SFLC).

•World Leader in Shutdowns: Though there was a lesser decline, India, according to Access Now, is still at the head of the pack as the world leader in government-imposed Internet shutdowns.

•Government’s Justification: According to the Union Government, the shut downs are a necessary control tool in law and order situations often swung into action, especially as most Internet access in India is mobile-based.

•Shutdowns Breakdown in 2024:

•Protests: 41 Shutdowns

•Communal Riots: 23 Shutdowns

•Examinations Cheating: 5 Shutdowns

•Negative Effects:

•Delay in Quick Response: These shutdowns can also delay critical updates on violence.

•Judicial Precedent: Shutdowns have to pass the tests of necessity and proportionality, the Supreme Court (Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India) had ruled.

•Day-to-Day Life Affected: Disrupts livelihoods, medical access, and education.

•Lack of Transparency:

•Many such shutdowns lack public orders justifying the very duration specified during their operation violating the Telecommunications (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024 & 2017.

•Accountability Calls:

•The authorities should assess the need and impact of all such shutdowns.

•The ideal should be zero shutdowns because more damage democratic values.

•Global Context

298 Shutdowns in 2024 Around the World Averaged Millions in its Effect. India Should Restrain Itself and Achieve Aims of Reducing Shutdowns Rather Than Leading in this Index.