Global Context:
- 2024 witnessed 296 global Internet shutdowns, the highest ever.
- India accounted for 28% of global shutdowns with 84 instances, second only to Myanmar (85).
Relevance : GS 2(Governance)
India-Specific Insights:
- Government Role: Union and State governments in India led in government-ordered shutdowns globally.
- Regional Breakdown:
- Manipur: 21 shutdowns
- Haryana: 12 shutdowns
- Jammu & Kashmir: 12 shutdowns
- Reasons for Shutdowns:
- Protests: 41 instances
- Communal violence: 23 instances
- Exam-related curbs: 5 instances (criticized as disproportionate)
Notable Exam-related Shutdowns:
- Jharkhand: During Graduate Level Competitive Exams (5.5 hours, Sept 22)
- Assam: For government job exams (Sept, most districts)
- Rajasthan: For Public Service Commission exam (Jan)
Myanmar Comparison:
- Myanmar topped with 85 shutdowns.
- Some imposed by external actors like China (2), Thailand (4), and local armed groups (NUG, MNDAA, TNLA).
Advocacy Concerns:
- Access Now: Criticized exam-related shutdowns as excessive measures.
- Broader concerns on freedom of speech, digital rights, and democratic implications.
Trend Observation:
- India’s shutdowns decreased from 2023 but remain disproportionately high.
- Global rise in shutdowns indicates increasing digital control during unrest and sensitive events.
