Internet shutdowns raise risks across Global South

Outlook

Across the developing world, governments have been shutting down and throttling online communication. This disrupts business activity and public services, and undercuts the legitimacy of the electoral process in democracies. Although the frequency of shutdowns has declined since the start of the pandemic, this is unlikely to be a longer-term trend.

The data shed a particularly negative light on India. A localised internet shutdown in insurgency-riven Kashmir has restricted public and international scrutiny of government and military actions in the region. The shutdowns also underline the operational and political risks facing foreign and domestic technology firms seeking to capitalise on India’s booming digital economy.

Impacts

• Democracies that avoid shutting down online communication will become more attractive to foreign tech firms.
• Targeted shutdowns that affect specific regions, communities or online platforms within a country are likely to rise.
• Countries enforcing online controls will find it harder to attract foreign funding for digital infrastructure.