InternetShutdowns.in

As 2026 begins, we’re looking back at India’s #InternetShutdown in 2025. This wrap-up takes a closer look at the data, patterns, and trends from the past year, not just to count shutdowns, but to understand what they mean for people and for India’s digital freedoms.

Read our detailed assessment of the legality of internet shutdown orders in India under the Telecom Act here: ddn.sflc.in/blog/assessing… Report internet shutdowns here: internetshutdowns.in or tag us on X. @accessnow @UN @ITU @amnesty @IFEX @isoc_pulse

This year's theme of the World Telecommunication & Information Society Day calls for strengthening digital lifelines for a resilient and connected world. But can we truly build a resilient and connected world? #KeepItOn #internetshutdown #DigitalLifelines #WTISD

Yesterday, the State Government of Manipur had extended the suspension of internet services including mobile internet, data services and VPN services till April 18, 2026. #Manipur #internetshutdown

Yesterday, the State Government of Manipur extended the suspension of mobile internet and data services, including VPN services for two more days till 16th April 2026, 14:00. #Manipur #internetshutdown

Yesterday, the State Government of Manipur has extended the suspension of internet services including mobile data, fixed broadband, VSAT satellite connections and VPN services, for another 48 hours. #manipur #internetshutdown

Unable to make it to our stakeholder consultation on the Draft IT Rules Amendment, 2026? We have got you covered. 🎥 We are LIVE on YouTube - tune in, engage, and share your perspective on what these rules mean for you. Access the live stream here - youtube.com/live/csR4A_HXf… Your experiences matter. Your input counts. 🔎 Access key resources: sflc.in/the-draft-it-r…

Yesterday, the State Government of Manipur extended the suspension of mobile internet and data services, including VPN services for two more days. #Manipur #VPN #internet #internetshutdowns

Sharing news online. Posting about an election. Filming a protest. Under India's new IT Rules, all of it can be taken down without a court order, without notice, at the government's discretion. Want to know more about what's at stake and take action? We have compiled the relevant resources for you here - sflc.in/the-draft-it-r… #ITRules2026 #DigitalFreedomIndia #FreeSpeech #RightToInformation

On 30 March 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) released Draft Amendments to the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, and has invited comments till 14th April 2026. SFLC.in is bringing together creators, civil society, journalists, and technology law experts for a focused virtual consultation. Join us. Be part of the conversation. Gain insights and understand how these amendments could impact us all. 📆 Date: 11th April 2026 (Saturday) ⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM IST 🔗 Register here: form.sflc.in/stakeholder-co… #StakeholderConsultation #ITRules2026 #FreeSpeech #DigitalFreedom

Pursuant to bomb attacks in Bishnupur the State Government of Manipur suspended internet & mobile data services including broadband, VSATs & VPN services yesterday from 2:00 pm for next 3 days. Suspension has been imposed in Bishnupur, Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal & Kakching

Students in Jammu & Kashmir faced serious hurdles in completing their NEET applications after mobile data, voice, and SMS services were suspended amid protests. With OTP-based verification required for exam registrations and online study platforms, many students risked missing crucial deadlines due to the connectivity restrictions. On 6 March 2026, SFLC.in wrote to the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, highlighting how internet shutdowns can disrupt students’ academic opportunities and urging immediate intervention. The letter requested alternative login mechanisms (such as email-based OTPs or offline registration centres) and deadline extensions for candidates in affected regions to ensure that students are not unfairly penalised. While the shutdown was lifted later the same day, the incident once again highlights how connectivity restrictions can have unintended consequences on students preparing for national-level competitive exams. #InternetShutdown #InternetShutdowns #KeepItOn #LetTheNetWork #AccessToInternet #DigitalRights #OnlineAccess #RightToInternet #InternetFreedom #ConnectivityMatters #DigitalAccess #AccessToInformation

The internet suspension in Meghalaya’s East & West Garo Hills has now been extended following violence linked to the GHADC election nomination process, including the arson attack on the NPP office in Tura. #InternetShutdown #Meghalaya #DigitalRights #KeepItOn #InternetFreedom

Violence in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills has led to a curfew and suspension of mobile internet services after clashes linked to the GHADC election nomination process. #InternetShutdown #KeepItOn #Meghalaya #WestGaroHills #DigitalRights #AccessToInternet #InternetFreedom

Internet services were affected in parts of Jammu and Kashmir amid protests over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, with large crowds assembling at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk on Sunday #Kashmir #JammuAndKashmir #InternetShutdown #InternetRestrictions

The mobile internet suspension has now been extended to parts of Kamjong and Kangpokpi districts which was earlier limited to Ukhrul discharge following recent arson and violence. Authorities cite concerns over the spread of inflammatory content amid ongoing tensions. #Manipur

The Government of Manipur has imposed an internet shutdown internet services for five days after armed miscreants allegedly set houses on fire, forcing residents to flee their homes overnight. #Manipur #internetshutdown #OnlineSafety #connectivity

Internet suspended in Hanumangarh (Rajasthan) amid renewed farmers’ protests against the proposed ethanol plant in the Tibbi area. Administration cites law-and-order concerns as tensions persist on the ground. #InternetShutdown #Hanumangarh #FarmersProtest #Rajasthan

Nov 2025–Jan 2026, #Hanumangarh, #Rajasthan saw multiple #internetshutdowns. We filed #RTIs in December 2025 and they flag key issues. Since then, we have filed fresh RTIs and are engaging the Rajasthan government to seek accountability and transparency.

@priciltasia The order must be published to clearly state the specific reasons that necessitate the imposition of such measures, clearly defined geographical area, type of networks affected and a specific duration that cannot exceed 15 calendar days.

@priciltasia However, the law clearly states that an internet shutdown order can be imposed by either the Union Home Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs (in case of the Central Government) and the Secretary to the State Government in-charge of the Home Department (in case of a States).

In response to violence between two communities and deaths of two people, mobile internet services have been suspended in Kokrajhar and Chirang districts of Assam. #IST #AssamNews #Violence #InternetShutdown

@priciltasia The order must be published to clearly state the specific reasons that necessitate the imposition of such measures, clearly defined geographical area, type of networks affected and a specific duration that cannot exceed 15 calendar days.

@NetShutdowns Can you predict until when?