India leads in Internet shutdowns, but lacks tool to assess impact - The Hindu

Earlier this month, the Punjab government suspended mobile Internet and SMS services in the State for more than four days as it launched an operation to arrest pro-Khalistani preacher Amritpal Singh. Map 1 The map shows the State-wise instances of Internet shutdowns recorded between 2012 and March 2023, according to SFLC Chart appears incomplete? It came down heavily on “Internet shutdowns being used as a substitute for enforcing law and order.” In 2020, the Supreme Court held that Internet suspensions should “adhere to the principle of proportionality and must not extend beyond necessary duration.” When the Committee questioned the Department of Telecommunication and the Home Ministry on the test of proportionality and the procedure for lifting a shutdown, it found their replies to be “vague and lacking clarity.” The issue is of great significance to India as 60% of all the Internet shutdowns recorded between 2016 and 2022 worldwide took place in India, according to Access Now, a non-profit that defends digital rights. Chart 2 shows the number of Internet shutdowns recorded by Access Now, in India and globally. Chart 2 The chart shows the number of Internet shutdowns recorded by Access Now, in India and globally Click to subscribe to our Data newsletter Over the past five years, India has recorded the highest number of shutdowns.