A significant rise in government-enforced internet shutdowns is raising alarms from the United Nations regarding the severe implications for freedom of expression, access to information, and human rights. Over the past two years, there have been at least 300 instances of such shutdowns across more than 54 countries. This trend has prompted UNESCO to issue a strong statement following a troubling assessment of digital blackouts globally.
UNESCO highlighted that governments are increasingly resorting to cutting off internet access during critical events such as protests, elections, and emergencies. The agency emphasized the indispensable role that online connectivity plays in facilitating democratic participation and protecting fundamental human rights. Moreover, data from civil society monitoring group Access Now reveals that 2024 became the worst year on record for internet shutdowns since 2016, a trend that unfortunately has persisted into 2026, with several countries imposing extensive blackouts amid significant public demonstrations and electoral processes.
“Access to information is an integral part of the universal right to freedom of expression,” UNESCO declared, pointing to the vital importance of internet connectivity for rights related to education, freedom of assembly, and active participation in society. Governments are called upon to implement policies that enhance access to the internet rather than create barriers.
The adverse effects of internet disruptions extend beyond limiting access to trusted information; they also promote the spread of misinformation. With journalists and media outlets cut off from digital platforms, it becomes increasingly challenging to share verified information, creating a vacuum that allows rumors and unsubstantiated claims to thrive.
The recent months have observed numerous significant internet shutdowns due to political unrest. For instance, in January 2026, Iranian authorities enforced a sweeping national blackout during renewed protests, drastically curtailing online communication and stifling the ability of citizens, journalists, and civil society to inform others. Similarly, the Taliban’s blanket shutdown in Afghanistan from September to October 2025 critically hindered humanitarian efforts, journalism, and educational access for women and girls.
Targeted restrictions have become more frequent in various countries. In Nepal, the government suspended access to 26 social media and messaging platforms during political turmoil in September 2025. Sri Lanka enacted a law in 2024 that provides extensive powers to control online content, leading to concerns over diminishing digital civic space. In Africa, election-related disruptions have persisted, with significant internet interruptions noted during the October 2025 presidential election in Cameroon, while Tanzania faced criticism for its own internet restrictions amid the same electoral period.
The human rights repercussions of these shutdowns echo claims made in a 2022 report by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. This report detailed how internet blackouts can disrupt life-saving operations in hospitals, inhibit voters’ access to candidate information, and obstruct small businesses from connecting with customers, leaving protesters powerless during violent crackdowns. The report stated that such shutdowns often violate international human rights standards, particularly regarding legality, necessity, and proportionality, affecting countless individuals beyond the intended targets and deepening existing social and economic divides.
Overall, the growing trend of internet shutdowns poses a significant threat to fundamental freedoms and societal advancement, emphasizing the urgent need for governments to prioritize connectivity rather than undermine it.
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