ENDING INTERNET SHUTDOWNS
Internet shutdowns threaten human rights around the world. They harm everyone: businesses, emergency services, journalism, human rights defenders, and protesters. Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition work with stakeholders across sectors to end internet shutdowns worldwide.
GUIDE
KeepItOn: Fighting internet shutdowns around the world
In 2021, Access Now’s Shutdown Tracker Optimization Project (STOP), in collaboration with the #KeepItOn coalition, recorded at least 182 internet shutdowns in 34 countries worldwide, including the longest internet shutdowns on record.
RESOURCES
Freedom of Expression
#KeepItOn: 2022 elections and internet shutdowns watch
Elections and internet shutdowns are a disaster for democracy. See which countries the #KeepItOn coalition is watching in 2022.
Digital Security
Internet shutdowns in 2021: the return of digital authoritarianism
In 2021, Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition documented 182 internet shutdowns across 34 countries. This shows a dramatic resurgence of this oppressive form of control.
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.
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
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
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.
Advocating to #KeepItOn during elections: what you can do
Latest updates
A Manhunt in India Left 27 Million People Without Mobile Internet
To defend democracy, stand up for civil society
As governments, businesses, and civil society organizations gather for the 2nd U.S. Summit for Democracy, our message is clear: to defend democracy in the digital age, states must stand up for civil society, online and off.
حجب الإنترنت في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا في سنة 2022: تواصل للانتهاكات والإفلات من العقاب
قامت 11 دولة في منطقة الشرق الأوسط وشمال إفريقيا بفرض عمليات حجب للإنترنت في 37 مناسبة، حيث تصدّرت إيران هذه القائمة من خلال قطعها للإنترنت 18 مرة.
Internet shutdowns in MENA in 2022: continued abuses and impunity
In 2022, authorities across the Middle East and North Africa shutdown the internet 37 times — with Iran hitting the kill switch a staggering 18 times.
India can’t find a Sikh separatist leader, but its manhunt has got the world’s attention
Podcast: India Has Been the Leading Country in Internet Shutdowns for 5 Years. That’s Alarming.
US report lists ‘significant human rights’ abuses in India
Indian officials cut internet for 27 million people amid search for fugitive
India cuts internet to 27 million as Punjab police hunt Sikh separatist
Indian State Blocks Internet And Text Messaging For 27 Million Residents—Here’s Why
Apagones de internet en América Latina y el Caribe: ataques a la libertad de expresión en Brasil y Cuba
En 2022, las autoridades bloquearon el internet en 35 países al menos 187 veces. Cuba y Brasil lo hicieron al menos tres veces en total.
India: ‘Internet shutdown capital of the world’
Evading accountability through internet shutdowns: Trends in Africa and the Middle East
#KeepItOn in Mauritania: authorities must restore internet connectivity
Following reports of a nationwide block on mobile internet access in Mauritania, Access Now urges authorities to immediately reconnect the country.
In Africa and the Middle East, internet shutdowns shroud human rights abuses
Access Now’s new joint report examines how authorities in Africa and the Middle East weaponize internet shutdowns to obscure human rights abuses.
