India Loses Billions of Dollars Due to Internet Shutdowns

Internet shutdowns are a growing problem around the world. In 2022, there were 114 major deliberate internet outages in 23 countries, affecting 710 million people. These shutdowns had a significant economic and social impact.

A study by Top10VPN found that internet shutdowns in 2022 cost the global economy $24.67 billion. This includes losses in productivity, tourism, and foreign investment. The shutdowns also had a negative impact on education and healthcare, as people were unable to access online resources.India lost $1.9 billion in the first half of 2023 due to internet shutdowns. It also found that the shutdowns also led to the loss of 21,000 jobs and $11.8 million in foreign direct investment.

The most affected country in 2022 was Russia, which suffered a loss of $21.59 billion due to internet shutdowns. This was followed by Myanmar ($1.09 billion), Iran ($773 million), and India ($582.8 million).

The study also found that internet shutdowns are often used to suppress dissent and restrict freedom of expression. In 2022, 51% of deliberate internet outages were associated with additional human rights abuses.

The high cost of internet shutdowns is a clear indication that they are not a necessary or effective way to maintain law and order. The governments that use internet shutdowns should reform their laws and only use them in the most extreme circumstances.

The report's findings are significant because they show the real cost of internet shutdowns. In addition to the financial losses, shutdowns also have a negative impact on people's lives. They can prevent people from accessing essential services, such as healthcare and education. They can also make it difficult for people to communicate with each other and participate in civic life.

To reduce the cost of internet shutdowns, governments should take the following steps

• Reform the laws on internet shutdowns to make them more specific and narrow.
• Establish a clear and transparent process for ordering internet shutdowns.
• Provide more public notice and consultation before ordering an internet shutdown.
• Provide compensation to people who are affected by internet shutdowns.

Internet shutdowns are a serious problem that has a significant economic and social impact. Governments should only use internet shutdowns in the most extreme circumstances, and they should reform their laws to make them more specific and narrow. By taking these steps, governments can help to reduce the cost of internet shutdowns and protect the rights of their citizens.