UNESCO has expressed deep concern over the rising use of internet shutdowns by governments to manage political crises, condemning any actions that prevent citizens from accessing information through online tools. The organization emphasizes that the internet is essential for citizens to exercise their democratic rights, particularly during times of crisis, and calls on governments to maintain access to digital platforms to uphold these freedoms.
In recent years, UNESCO has documented a significant increase in state-imposed internet shutdowns, reporting at least 300 such incidents across 54 countries over the past two years. The year 2024 marked the highest number of shutdowns since 2016. Since the start of 2026, several countries experiencing large-scale protests or electoral processes have implemented blanket internet disruptions, further restricting access to information.
UNESCO consistently warns that interruptions to internet connectivity undermine the universal right to freedom of expression and hinder the realization of multiple human rights, including the rights to education, assembly, and participation in social, cultural, and political life. The organization stresses that access to reliable information is fundamental to democratic engagement and social inclusion.
Internet shutdowns not only disrupt journalism and media operations but also impede the flow of verified public information to citizens. Such disruptions can exacerbate the spread of unverified or harmful information, weakening the integrity of information ecosystems. UNESCO has repeatedly highlighted these risks through initiatives such as the International Day for Universal Access to Information in 2023, the 2024 High Level Political Forum, and its Guidelines on the Governance of Digital Platforms, advocating for policies that ensure connectivity rather than restrict it.
