Report: Internet Shutdowns Reached Record High Globally in 2024

Governments worldwide implemented a record number of internet shutdowns in 2024, Al Jazeera reports, citing a new report on “digital violence” by Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition.

The report, released on Monday, documented 296 internet shutdowns across 54 countries, surpassing the 283 shutdowns in 39 countries recorded in 2023.

Conflict remained the primary driver of these shutdowns for the second year in a row, with tactics ranging from jamming devices to physical destruction of infrastructure. Cross-border shutdowns also experienced a significant increase, including actions taken by Russia in Ukraine, Israel in Gaza, and Thailand and China in Myanmar.

Myanmar topped the list of offenders with 85 shutdowns, primarily implemented by the military government to suppress resistance. India dropped to second place with 84 shutdowns, while Pakistan recorded a record high of 21.

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region saw 41 internet shutdowns across 17 countries, a decrease from 77 in 2023, but affecting a greater number of countries. Israel led the region with six shutdowns during its war on Gaza, “systematically cutting off” connectivity and destroying telecommunication infrastructure despite international criticism, according to the report.