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Science & Tech., Index & Reports
Mahesh

01/07/22 05:47 AM IST

Report on Internet Shutdowns

In News 
  • Governments across the world have resorted to shutting down internet citing a range of reasons. Now a United Nations-backed report has flagged that the effect of such shutdowns on the lives of millions have been largely underrated.
Internet Shutdown
  • Internet shutdowns are measures taken by a government or on behalf of a government, to intentionally disrupt access to and the use of information and communications systems online.
Status:
  • As per #KeepItOn coalition (which monitors internet shutdown episodes across the world), documented 931 shutdowns in 74 countries from 2016-2021
  • India’s record: India blocked or disrupted internet connections 106 times and at least 85 of India’s internet shutdown episodes were in Jammu & Kashmir
Impacts 
  • It disrupts financial transactions, entrepreneurship, commerce and industry
  • The World Bank recently calculated that Internet shutdowns in Myanmar alone had cost nearly $2.8 billion from February-December 2021, reversing economic progress made over the previous decade.
  • Disrupts political transparency: Such disruptions undermine or eliminate access to digital tools that are critical for campaigning, promoting public discussion, conducting voting and overseeing the electoral processes
  • Shutdowns following protests during electoral periods in Belarus and Niger
  • Disrupts civic life:g. societal debates, works of NGO, SHG.
  • Interferes with health and education: E.g. for digital education and tele-medicines
  • Endangers vulnerable sections: women and girls who are in need of support and protection
  • Loss of creativity: People are not able to utilize their online creativity and long-term disruption may also affect their mental health
Source- DTE 

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