India leads the world in internet shutdowns

India has been leading the world in internet shutdowns, with 84 recorded last year, according to Access Now. These shutdowns are mostly imposed in restive areas such as Jammu and Kashmir, and Manipur. The government claims that the shutdowns are necessary for maintaining peace and public order, but critics argue that it is a futile attempt to halt misinformation.

Shutdowns are not limited to specific political parties, as state governments run by different parties also block internet access. While Human Rights Watch has found that a significant number of shutdowns are aimed at preventing cheating in school exams and entry tests for government jobs.