ENDING INTERNET SHUTDOWNS
Internet shutdowns are always an attack on human rights. When people are disconnected, it impacts all aspects of life — from work and education, to medical care and banking. Shutdowns block journalism, restrict free expression and community organizing, and prevent documentation of human rights abuses. During conflict and crisis, they stop people from accessing life-saving information and humanitarian aid.
CAMPAIGN
KeepItOn: why we’re updating our internet shutdown tracking methodology
Documenting internet shutdowns around the world shines a light on a weapon that keeps people in the dark. The Shutdown Tracker Optimization Project (STOP), an extensive dataset of nearly 1,750 shutdowns that have occurred since 2016, supports civil society in holding governments and perpetrators accountable for blatant human rights violations.
RESOURCES
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
Content Governance
2025 elections and internet shutdowns watch
Governments around the world continue to shut down the internet during elections. Join our 2025 elections watch to #KeepItOn.
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.
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
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.
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
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
نحو مستقبل رقمي آمن وحر في سوريا
رفع العقوبات عن سوريا خطوة مهمة نحو التقدّم، لكن لا يزال أمام السوريين الكثير لبناء مستقبل رقمي حر وآمن ومفتوح.
Reclaiming Syria’s digital future
#KeepItOn in Tanzania: President Suluhu’s government must restore access to X now
Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition unequivocally condemn the blocking of X in Tanzania that started on May 20, 2025. Technical data recorded by the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI) measurement community shows that the blocking is underway, impacting several mobile networks.
Russian internet shutdown that disrupted essential services condemned by rights groups
#KeepItOn: Кремль должен воздержаться от отключений во время национальных праздников и мероприятий
Ниже подписавшиеся решительно осуждают отключения интернета, введённые российскими властями накануне и во время празднования 80-летия Победы во Второй мировой войне.
#KeepItOn: The Kremlin must refrain from imposing internet shutdowns during key national events
The undersigned human rights organizations call on the UK government to take immediate action to free Alaa, and save his mother’s life.
Gabon elections – “We urge authorities to ensure unrestricted access to the internet”
How U.S. funding cuts expose civil society to digital attacks
#KeepItOn: authorities in Gabon must safeguard open and secure internet access during elections
#KeepItOn urges authorities in Gabon to keep the internet, social media, and all communication channels open and secure during the April 12 elections.
#KeepItOn : Nous exhortons les autorités gabonaises à garantir un accès Internet ouvert et
La coalition #KeepItOn exhorte le Gabon à garantir l’accès à Internet et aux réseaux sociaux avant, pendant et après les élections du 12 avril.
Gabonese authorities must ensure internet access throughout upcoming elections
Authorities in Gabon must ensure unfettered access to the internet throughout the upcoming elections in the country on April 12, 2025.
Les autorités gabonaises doivent garantir un accès internet libre et sécurisé pendant les élections
Authorities in Gabon must ensure unfettered access to the internet throughout the upcoming elections in the country on April 12, 2025.
Myanmar’s internet blackout is costing lives in earthquake-hit areas
Fourth year under Myanmar military’s digital iron curtain
Internet shutdowns hit record high in 2024
