Socio-economic cost of internet shutdowns is rising

Significance US-based digital rights watchdog Access Now recorded more internet shutdown events in 2023 than ever before. US-based non-profit Internet Society Pulse suggests that this trend has continued into 2024; over 20 such incidents have occurred since January, affecting internet users across twelve countries. Impacts Internet shutdowns will dearly cost national and global economies. Unintended consequences of shutdowns include disruption of emergency services and aid delivery as these often rely on digital communication. In non-democratic but also some democratic countries, incumbents will use shutdowns to suppress opposition and control the public narrative.