A report by SFLC.in
The previous decade has witnessed an exponential increase in internet shutdowns in India with a total count of 690, out of which 101 had been implemented in the year 2021. The year 2022 has seen 75 shutdowns till the publication of this report. The negative impact of the same cannot be measured in monetary terms alone, but through focusing on the flagrant infringement of fundamental rights, along with restricted access to essential services, bringing the lives of millions across the nation to a virtual standstill. In order to combat the lacuna of awareness on the rampant misuse of internet shutdowns in India, SFLC.in has published a detailed report attempting to fully understand their frequency, extent and impact in India. This scoping and assessment exercise analyzes various patterns and trends behind the imposition of these shutdowns, studies the legal mechanism and policy outlook adopted, maps the stakeholders involved and assesses the impact of the same.
This report is heavily based upon the Internet Shutdowns tracker maintained by SFLC.in which documents every single internet shutdown that has taken place pan-India since 2012, notably the only real-time database of its kind in the country.
The report analyzes the impact of internet shutdowns from a human rights and economical perspective, and how they affect the access to basic essential services, such education and healthcare. According to studies, India has suffered a loss of $174.6 million in the year 2022 alone, due to internet shutdowns, with long-term shutdowns leading to drastic impacts on the livelihood of people, directly contributing to the loss of employment. It brings to light the indiscriminate detriment caused to minority and underprivileged groups and their increased vulnerability due to the haphazard use of Kill Switch.
Please find the link of the report attached. Internet Shutdowns In India 2022 | SFLC.in