India’s Internet Shutdowns in 2024: SFLC Report
Why in the news
The Software Freedom Law Center (SFLC) India’s annual report found 2024 shutdowns slightly below 2023 levels, though India still tops the world list.
Key facts
- 2024 total: 84 shutdowns.
- Global rank: first in government-ordered shutdowns (Access Now).
- Communal violence: all 88 such shutdowns of 2023-24 were in India; since 2018, 95% of the global total came from India.
- Government view: mobile internet suspension is an essential law-and-order tool.
State data and reasons
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manipur (2023-24) | 54 |
| Bihar | 9 |
| Haryana | 7 |
| 2024 main reason | Over 50% for protests |
| 2023 main reason | Over 50% for communal violence |
| 2021-22 | Political instability |
- Other 2024 triggers: communal clashes and exam cheating.
Legal dimension
- Anuradha Bhasin vs Union of India: the Supreme Court said shutdowns must satisfy necessity and proportionality.
- Harm: lost livelihoods and business, disrupted health and education access, and lack of real-time information during violence.
Concerns
- Many orders lacked proper documentation required under the Telecommunication (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024.
- Economic and social impact is not clearly assessed.
- Use beyond emergencies raises proportionality doubts; accountability and fewer shutdowns are needed.
Exam angle
- Report by: SFLC India; global tracker: Access Now.
- Case: Anuradha Bhasin.
- Rules: Telecommunication (Temporary Suspension of Services) Rules, 2024.