Internet Shutdowns in India: Impeding Freedom of Expression and Strangling Vital Services

16-06-2023.

Alexandra Posta

East and South Asia Human Rights Researcher,

Global Human Rights Defense.

Internet shutdowns have become a distressing global phenomenon, with India at the forefront, utilising them as tools of control and impunity. These shutdowns not only curtail freedom of expression, as protected by Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) (HRW, 13 June 2023; Murali Krishnan, 15 March 2023; Al Jazeera, 28 February 2023), but also severely impact essential services. Particularly in Indian-administered Kashmir, the region bears the brunt of frequent shutdowns, exacerbating political tensions and stifling the daily lives of its inhabitants (Al Jazeera, 28 February 2023).

With a record 187 shutdowns in 35 countries, India emerges as the top offender, accounting for a staggering 84 shutdowns, including 49 in Indian-administered Kashmir (Al Jazeera, 28 February 2023). Governments exploit these measures as "weapons of control and shields of impunity," causing significant disruptions to vital services and severely hampering daily life for millions of people (Al Jazeera, 28 February 2023).

Freedom of expression, a fundamental right enshrined in Article 19 of the ICCPR , serves as a cornerstone for democratic societies. Indian law mandates that internet shutdown orders adhere to conditions of necessity and proportionality. However, critics argue that these criteria are frequently overlooked, resulting in arbitrary and excessive shutdowns that violate individuals' rights (Murali Krishnan, 15 March 2023). The international community upholds the significance of freedom of expression as a universal human right, and India's persistent shutdowns raise concerns regarding its compliance with human rights obligations (Murali Krishnan, 15 March 2023).

The recurring internet shutdowns in Indian-administered Kashmir have had dire consequences for the region's inhabitants. Access to crucial services, including healthcare, education, and finance, is severely hampered, exacerbating existing challenges (HRW, 13 June 2023, Murali Krishnan, 15 March 2023). Moreover, these shutdowns impede economic activities and trade opportunities, creating an economic blockade that further marginalizes the population and stifles their progress (Al Jazeera, 28 February 2023). It results in “No Internet Means No Work, No Pay, No Food” (HRW, 13 June 2023). The restrictions not only limit the ability to express opinions but also hinder the region's development and prosperity. 

The prevalence of internet shutdowns in India, particularly in Indian-administered Kashmir, raises serious concerns about the violation of fundamental rights and the stifling of voices in the digital age (Murali Krishnan, 15 March 2023). As the Indian government faces scrutiny for its repeated use of this repressive tactic, it is essential to address these issues to safeguard freedom of expression and ensure unrestricted access to vital services (Murali Krishnan, 15 March 2023).

Sources and further readings: 

HRW. (13 June 2023). India: Internet Shutdowns Hurt Vulnerable Communities. HRW. Available at <https://www.hrw.org/news/2023/06/13/india-internet-shutdowns-hurt-vulnerable-communities>

Murali Krishnan. (15 March 2023). India: 'Internet shutdown capital of the world'. DW. Available at <https://www.dw.com/en/india-internet-shutdown-capital-of-the-world/a-64997062>

Al Jazeera. (28 February, 2023). In 2022, the world saw 187 internet shutdowns – 84 by India alone. Available at <https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/28/in-2022-the-world-saw-187-internet-shutdowns-84-by-india-alone>