The United Nations has warned of a sharp global rise in internet shutdowns, with UNESCO reporting that governments are increasingly cutting online access during protests, elections, and periods of crisis. The agency emphasized that such measures persist despite the central role of internet connectivity in democratic participation and the exercise of fundamental rights. According to data cited from civil society group Access Now, 2024 marked the worst year on record for internet shutdowns since 2016, and the trend has continued into 2026.
UNESCO stressed that access to information is an essential component of the universal right to freedom of expression and is closely linked to other rights, including education, freedom of association and assembly, and participation in social, cultural, and political life. The agency called on governments to adopt policies that promote connectivity rather than restrict it, warning that digital blackouts undermine democratic processes and civic engagement.
The agency also highlighted how internet disruptions can exacerbate misinformation. When journalists, media outlets, and public authorities are cut off from digital platforms, access to verified information is reduced, creating space for rumors and unverified content to spread rapidly.
Recent months have seen multiple high-profile shutdowns imposed amid political unrest. In January 2026, authorities in Iran enforced a near-total nationwide internet blackout during renewed protests, sharply limiting communications and disrupting businesses while restricting the ability of citizens, journalists, and civil society groups to share information. In Afghanistan, a nationwide shutdown ordered in late 2025 further constrained humanitarian operations, journalism, and access to education, particularly for women and girls.
Other governments have increasingly turned to targeted digital restrictions. In Nepal, access to 26 social media and messaging platforms was suspended in September 2025 during political unrest, while in Sri Lanka, legislation adopted in 2024 granted broad powers to restrict online content, raising concerns over shrinking digital civic space.
Internet disruptions linked to elections have remained a recurring issue, particularly in Africa. Connectivity was significantly disrupted in Cameroon during the October 2025 presidential election, and Tanzania imposed restrictions and partial shutdowns around its October 2025 polls, drawing criticism amid broader concerns over civil liberties.
The growing concern echoes findings from a 2022 report by the UN human rights office, which documented the wide-ranging impacts of internet shutdowns. The report found that such measures can prevent hospitals from contacting doctors in emergencies, deprive voters of critical information, cut off small businesses from customers, and leave protesters unable to seek help during violent crackdowns. It concluded that internet shutdowns rarely meet international human rights standards and often have indiscriminate effects, deepening digital divides and undermining social and economic progress.
