Internet shutdowns surge from India to Russia after Covid dip

Authorities worldwide imposed Internet shutdowns some 182 times in total, data compiled for the report show, signaling a ‘dramatic resurgence’ in digital blackouts after relative respite in 2020. — Fiber cable photo created by freepik - www.freepik.com

India disrupted or blocked Internet access at least 106 times last year, making it the world’s biggest offender for the fourth straight year, according to a report from digital rights advocacy group Access Now.

Authorities worldwide imposed Internet shutdowns some 182 times in total, data compiled for the report show, signaling a “dramatic resurgence” in digital blackouts after relative respite in 2020.