Why did Afghanistan experience an internet outage in September?

The Taliban government mandated a deliberate internet outage in Afghanistan for two days in September, with a localized shutdown prior attributed to preventing 'immoral activities'.

What is the #KeepItOn coalition?

The #KeepItOn coalition is a group of digital rights organizations working to track and combat deliberate internet shutdowns globally.

How do internet shutdowns affect human rights?

Internet shutdowns violate human rights by limiting freedom of expression, assembly, and access to information, and can worsen abuses and hinder humanitarian efforts.

Home / Technology / Global Internet Blackouts Surge: Rights Under Threat

Global Internet Blackouts Surge: Rights Under Threat

13 Dec

•

Summary

Internet shutdowns have increased dramatically since 2011.
Governments cite various reasons, including protests and exams.
These shutdowns severely impact human rights and daily life.

Global Internet Blackouts Surge: Rights Under Threat

The frequency of deliberate internet shutdowns worldwide has surged dramatically, with 296 incidents recorded in 54 countries in 2024 and 244 more by December 2025. Afghanistan's recent two-day national blackout, mandated by the Taliban, highlights a growing trend where authorities offer little to no explanation, leaving populations isolated during critical events like natural disasters, elections, and protests.

These shutdowns, whether total or partial, are no longer mere inconveniences. The internet is essential infrastructure, vital for human rights, communication, work, and access to information. Governments employ these blackouts for diverse reasons, including suppressing political unrest, controlling information during elections, and even preventing exam cheating. Some nations, like Iran, have sophisticated methods to force citizens onto monitored intranets, while others, like India, lead in the sheer number of incidents.