Internet Shutdowns

ENDING INTERNET SHUTDOWNS

Internet shutdowns threaten human rights around the world. They harm everyone: human rights defenders, journalists, protesters, emergency services, businesses, educators, and more. Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition work with stakeholders across sectors to end internet shutdowns worldwide.

KeepItOn 2023 Report Internet Shutdowns
CAMPAIGN

KeepItOn: Fighting internet shutdowns around the world

In 2023, Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition recorded 283 internet shutdowns in 39 countries around the world, the highest number since we started the Shutdown Tracker Optimization Project (STOP).

RESOURCES

#NoExamShutdown motto

Freedom of Expression

Tell MENA authorities: #NoExamShutdown

Year after year, the MENA region has led the world in exam-related shutdowns. With the 2024 exam season in the region quickly approaching, it’s time to take action and demand change! #NoExamShutdown

KeepItOn 2024 Elections and Internet Shutdowns Watch

Content Governance

2024 elections and internet shutdowns watch

Governments around the world continue to shut down the internet during elections. Join our 2024 elections watch to #KeepItOn.

KeepItOn 2023 Report Internet Shutdowns

Freedom of Expression

The most violent year: internet shutdowns in 2023

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition documented 283 internet shutdowns in 2023 — the highest number since 2016.

#KeepItOn during elections

Digital Security

Taxonomy of a shutdown: 8 ways governments restrict access to the internet, and how to #KeepItOn

Our new guide explains the technology behind network interference to help people prepare for, circumvent, and document internet shutdowns.

#KeepItOn

Internet Shutdowns

KeepItOn: frequently asked questions

#KeepItOn: A global movement to end internet shutdowns 1. What is the #KeepItOn campaign? It’s a campaign launched by Access Now in 2016 to help unite and organize the efforts of activists

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Freedom of Expression

Have questions about internet shutdowns? Kill Switch has answers

Why aren’t internet shutdowns illegal? Are there ways to bypass them? Can we fight internet shutdowns in court? Does anyone see a way to end shutdowns, once and for all? Kill Switch podcast has the answers.

KeepItOn Election shutdown handbook header image

Internet Shutdowns

Internet shutdowns and elections handbook

Internet shutdowns and elections handbook A guide for election observers, embassies, activists, and journalists [Leer en español] [Читайте на русском] This handbook explains how internet shutdowns undermine democractic elections and

Palestine Israel Digital Ceasefire; Gaza’s internet

Connectivity

Palestine unplugged: how Israel disrupts Gaza’s internet

This report illustrates the state of Gaza’s internet throughout October 2023 by looking at internet traffic by ISPs and locations.

Advocating to #KeepItOn during elections: what you can do

Latest updates

KeepItOn 2024 Elections and Internet Shutdowns Watch
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

2024 elections and internet shutdowns watch

16 Sep 2024

Governments around the world continue to shut down the internet during elections. Join our 2024 elections watch to #KeepItOn.

Campaign
2024 elections and internet shutdowns watch
16 Sep 2024
2024 elections and internet shutdowns watch
#NoExamShutdown motto
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

Why #NoExamShutdown should be every country’s class motto

5 Sep 2024

In 2024, exam-related internet shutdowns have continued to disrupt communities in MENA and beyond. Here’s how the #NoExamShutdown campaign is fighting back and how you can help.

Post
Why #NoExamShutdown should be every country’s class motto
5 Sep 2024
Why #NoExamShutdown should be every country’s class motto
#KeepItOn in Sudan
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

Break the silence on Sudan: an urgent call to action

5 Sep 2024

Over 50 civil society organizations urgently call upon the international community to step up and break the silence surrounding the brutal conflict in Sudan.

Press Release
Break the silence on Sudan: an urgent call to action
5 Sep 2024
Break the silence on Sudan: an urgent call to action
Togo elections internet access
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

Joint statement: Sudan has suffered in silence for over 500 days

5 Sep 2024

After more than 500 days of brutal conflict in Sudan, the #KeepItOn coalition reiterates calls to reactivate telecommunication services.

Press Release
Joint statement: Sudan has suffered in silence for over 500 days
5 Sep 2024
Joint statement: Sudan has suffered in silence for over 500 days
KeepItOn 2023 Report Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

Who blocked access to X in Tanzania: civil society demands answers 

3 Sep 2024

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition condemn the blocking of  X in Tanzania.

Press Release
Who blocked access to X in Tanzania: civil society demands answers 
3 Sep 2024
Who blocked access to X in Tanzania: civil society demands answers 
Open letter on technology-enabled political violence in Venezuela
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn in Venezuela: Maduro must end his regime’s assault on free speech

27 Aug 2024

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition are demanding the Nicolás Maduro regime stop imposing internet shutdowns and other human rights abuses in Venezuela in response to protests relating to the presidential election.

Press Release
#KeepItOn in Venezuela: Maduro must end his regime’s assault on free speech
27 Aug 2024
#KeepItOn in Venezuela: Maduro must end his regime’s assault on free speech
Open letter on technology-enabled political violence in Venezuela
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

Maduro must #KeepItOn in times of protest and unrest

27 Aug 2024

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition demand that the Nicolás Maduro regime stop imposing internet shutdowns and blocking essential communications platforms in Venezuela.

Press Release
Maduro must #KeepItOn in times of protest and unrest
27 Aug 2024
Maduro must #KeepItOn in times of protest and unrest
Open letter on technology-enabled political violence in Venezuela
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn en Venezuela: Maduro debe mantener el acceso a internet en tiempos de protesta y conflicto

27 Aug 2024

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition are demanding the Nicolás Maduro regime stop imposing internet shutdowns and other human rights abuses in Venezuela in response to protests relating to the presidential election.

Press Release
#KeepItOn en Venezuela: Maduro debe mantener el acceso a internet en tiempos de protesta y conflicto
27 Aug 2024
#KeepItOn en Venezuela: Maduro debe mantener el acceso a internet en tiempos de protesta y conflicto
Open letter on technology-enabled political violence in Venezuela
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

Maduro debe mantener el acceso a internet en épocas de protesta y conflicto

27 Aug 2024

Access Now y de la coalición #KeepItOn exigen que el régimen de Nicolás Maduro ponga fin a los apagones de internet en Venezuela.

Press Release
Maduro debe mantener el acceso a internet en épocas de protesta y conflicto
27 Aug 2024
Maduro debe mantener el acceso a internet en épocas de protesta y conflicto
#KeepItOn report
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

Africa in 2023: internet shutdowns attack democracy

26 Aug 2024
Press Release
Africa in 2023: internet shutdowns attack democracy
26 Aug 2024
Africa in 2023: internet shutdowns attack democracy
STOP Methodology KeepItOn Socials
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

Connectivity black out: an unfortunate ‘common tactic’

26 Aug 2024
News
Connectivity black out: an unfortunate ‘common tactic’
Developing Telecoms ↗
26 Aug 2024
Connectivity black out: an unfortunate ‘common tactic’
KeepItOn 2023 Report Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

Over 40 NGOs urge end to internet shutdown on E. Guinea island

19 Aug 2024
News
Over 40 NGOs urge end to internet shutdown on E. Guinea island
Barron’s ↗
19 Aug 2024
Over 40 NGOs urge end to internet shutdown on E. Guinea island
STOP Methodology KeepItOn Socials
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

Internet blackout in Equatorial Guinea and patrolling drones in Venezuela

14 Aug 2024
News
Internet blackout in Equatorial Guinea and patrolling drones in Venezuela
Somewhere on Earth ↗
14 Aug 2024
Internet blackout in Equatorial Guinea and patrolling drones in Venezuela
KeepItOn 2023 Report Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

Fuerte denuncia de 40 organizaciones internacionales sobre lo que sucede en la pequeña isla de Annobón: bloqueada y sin internet

14 Aug 2024
News
Fuerte denuncia de 40 organizaciones internacionales sobre lo que sucede en la pequeña isla de Annobón: bloqueada y sin internet
Infobae ↗
14 Aug 2024
Fuerte denuncia de 40 organizaciones internacionales sobre lo que sucede en la pequeña isla de Annobón: bloqueada y sin internet
KeepItOn 2023 Report Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn in Annobón: Authorities in Equatorial Guinea must end internet shutdown and other human rights abuses

13 Aug 2024

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition are calling on authorities in Equatorial Guinea to immediately restore internet and telecom services in Annobón.

Press Release
#KeepItOn in Annobón: Authorities in Equatorial Guinea must end internet shutdown and other human rights abuses
13 Aug 2024
#KeepItOn in Annobón: Authorities in Equatorial Guinea must end internet shutdown and other human rights abuses
KeepItOn 2023 Report Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn en Annobón: Las autoridades de Guinea Ecuatorial deben poner fin al corte de internet y otros abusos a los derechos humanos

13 Aug 2024

La coalición #KeepItOn instan a las autoridades de Guinea Ecuatorial a restablecer de inmediato el acceso a internet en Annobón.

Press Release
#KeepItOn en Annobón: Las autoridades de Guinea Ecuatorial deben poner fin al corte de internet y otros abusos a los derechos humanos
13 Aug 2024
#KeepItOn en Annobón: Las autoridades de Guinea Ecuatorial deben poner fin al corte de internet y otros abusos a los derechos humanos