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.

SFLC.in's Free Speech Tracker has documented over 200 cases of content takedown in just over half a year. When journalists face such takedowns, the consequences extend beyond individual posts and directly impact press freedom. In this video from our series with @RSF_inter, 'Protecting Press Freedom in the Digital Age,' we explore how content takedowns are impacting reporting. Watch to hear firsthand experiences from @MnshaP (@newslaundry), @geetaseshu (@indiafreespeech), and @klmeera (@KhabarLahariya). If you are a journalist or creator facing a content takedown or account suspension, you don't have to navigate it alone. Report it to our RightsLine for free legal assistance: rightsline.sflc.in You can also explore Reporters Without Borders (RSF)'s multilingual resources for practical guidance to help journalists stay safe: rsf.org/sites/default/… #freespeech #censorship #pressfreedom #FoE @UNESCO @PENamerica @TheCAOV @IWMF @NidhiSuresh_ @RanaAyyub @dhanyarajendran @IFEX @amnesty @IFJGlobal @IndexCensorship @theGNI @kalpana1947 @nit_set @Article14live @Info_Activism @CPJAsia @globalfreemedia @mediadefence @openmarkets @AsiaSociety @witnessorg @CFWIJ @unwomenasia @FeminismInIndia @sharetoproblems @APC_News @Aditi_muses @AroonDeep @AdityaRajKaul @arvindgunasekar @upadhyay_harsh1 @logic @SauravDassss @iArpitSpeaks @TheCurlyPoet @ni5arga @sidhant_sarthak

The internet shutdown was imposed to maintain law and order in the area and to prevent the spread of misinformation, rumors, and inflammatory material on social media regarding the Panchana Dam water dispute in the Karauli district of Rajasthan. #KeepItOn #LetTheNetWork

The Divisional Commissioner of Bharatpur, Rajasthan, has ordered internet shutdown across Gangapur City, Wazirpur, and Bamanwas for 24 hours till July 9th. #KeepItOn #LetTheNetWork

Meta has launched Muse Image, an AI image generator integrated into @instagram, @WhatsApp, and other @Meta platforms. Along with the usual image generation and editing features, it allows users to create AI-generated images/videos using content from public Instagram accounts, including profile pictures, by simply tagging the account in a prompt. What is particularly concerning is that public accounts are opted in by default and that users are not notified when their content is used by others in Meta’s AI features. This default opt-in model shifts the burden to users to actively protect their privacy, instead of requiring their explicit consent before their content can be used. It also raises concerns about informed consent, misuse of personal images, and the use of publicly shared content for AI-generated creations without prior notification. Follow the steps below to opt out and protect your privacy. 👇 #MetaAI #GenAI #Deepfake #privacy #CSAM @divyaconnects @danielsilas @BBCanshul @alishan_jafri @dhanyarajendran @AIatMeta @zoo_bear @AroonDeep

When the internet shuts down, communities lose access to basic human rights. Our Internet Shutdown Tracker is monitoring internet shutdowns across India, highlighting their impact on the people and communities forced offline. Check here: internetshutdowns.in #KeepInOn

According to media reports, internet services were suspended in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand by the district administration for 12 hours on 21 June 2026 after a dispute erupted at a Gurdwara in the region. #KeepInOn #LetTheNetWork @accessnow @OpenObservatory

What happens when reporting the truth puts your safety, privacy, and dignity at risk? 🗣️🚨 Online gender-based violence has become a reality for many journalists. For them, speaking up often comes at a cost. 🔈📰 In the latest video from our series, Protecting Press Freedom in the Digital Age, in collaboration with @RSF_inter, we bring you the voices of those who refuse to be silenced. 💪🏼 We speak with @MnshaP from @newslaundry, @geetaseshu from @indiafreespeech, @klmeera from @KhabarLahariya, and Suneeta Prajapati from Chambal Media about their experiences of online gender-based violence and its impact on their work, safety, and freedom of expression. 🗞️ No journalist should have to choose between their voice and their safety. 🚫 If you have experienced online harassment, threats, or abuse, we are here to listen and support you. SFLC.in provides legal guidance and resources to help protect your rights and safety online. Share your experience with us at mail@sflc.in. #onlinesafety #digitalrights #genderviolence #privacy #pressfreedom #freespeech @UNESCO @PENamerica @TheCAOV @IWMF @NidhiSuresh_ @RanaAyyub @rohini_mohan @aishwaria_s @rupa_jha @chitraSD @dhanyarajendran @IFEX @amnesty @IFJGlobal @IndexCensorship @theGNI @kalpana1947 @nit_set @Article14live @Info_Activism @CPJAsia @globalfreemedia @mediadefence @openmarkets @AsiaSociety @witnessorg @CFWIJ @unwomenasia @FeminismInIndia @sharetoproblems @APC_News

Such internet shutdowns impact press freedom and the public’s right to access information. The disruption of communication channels and restrictions on the flow of information hinder on-ground reporting and limit citizens' access to timely and reliable information. To understand how these digital restrictions affect on-ground reporting, SFLC.in, in collaboration with @RSF_inter, has launched a video series, 'Protecting Press Freedom in the Digital Age.' In the first part of our series, we speak with Amit Kumar (@kumar_86_amit), Executive Editor of @EastMojo, about how internet shutdowns are imposed, the challenges of reporting without connectivity, and the steps journalists can take to stay prepared when the internet goes dark. Watch our videos here: - youtube.com/shorts/yMTg_Qg… - youtu.be/i4vWhVU8T1g?si… #KeepItOn #internetshutdown #pressfreedom #LetTheNetWork @access @nit_set @ravish_journo @geetaseshu @KhabarLahariya @dhanyarajendran @IFEX @amnesty @IFJGlobal @zoo_bear @IndexCensorship @sohitmishra99 @vsirnate @SauravDassss @theGNI @kalpana1947 @Article14live @reporters_co @Info_Activism @CPJAsia @globalfreemedia @mediadefence @thomsonreuters @openmarkets @AsiaSociety @witnessorg

Ahead of a demolition drive, the Rajasthan government has imposed an internet shutdown in parts of Jaipur’s North and East districts on 8 June 2026, citing concerns over potential protests and their impact on communal harmony and public order. #internetshutdown #KeepItOn

Information flow is the biggest casualty of internet shutdowns. 🛜❌ How do shutdowns happen? And how can journalists prepare when connectivity is cut off? 📵🚨 In the latest video from our series, 'Protecting Press Freedom in the Digital Age,' Amit Kumar (@kumar_86_amit), Executive Editor of @EastMojo, shares his insights on the impact of internet shutdowns on digital journalism and the importance of preparedness. In collaboration with @RSF_inter, we have developed practical guides and response strategies to help journalists navigate internet shutdowns. Access the resources here: resources.rsf.org. 🗣️🎙️ Next in the series, we will address online gender-based violence faced by women journalists. Stay tuned! 🔈 #privacy #surveillance #internetshutdown #KeepItOn #freespeech #pressfreedom #freespeech #FoE @accessnow @geetaseshu @KhabarLahariya @dhanyarajendran @Memeghnad @ravish_journo @IFEX @amnesty @IFJGlobal @zoo_bear @IndexCensorship @sohitmishra99 @vsirnate @SauravDassss @theGNI @kalpana1947 @samzsays @MathewLiz @parthpunter @Article14live @reporters_co @Info_Activism @nit_set @CPJAsia @IndexCensorship @globalfreemedia @mediadefence @thomsonreuters @openmarkets @AsiaSociety @witnessorg @craignewmark

When the internet goes down, digital journalists lose their lifeline. In the second video of our series, ‘Protecting Press Freedom in the Digital Age,’ we break down how these blackouts happen and how journalists can prepare. Keep an eye on your feed. The second video is coming soon! 🥁 Explore our resources on understanding and responding to internet shutdowns as journalists, developed in collaboration with @RSF_en: resources.rsf.org #privacy #surveillance #internetshutdown #KeepItOn #freespeech #pressfreedom #freespeech #FoE @nit_set @geetaseshu @KhabarLahariya @EastMojo @kumar_86_amit @medianama @dhanyarajendran @ravish_journo @TheDeshBhakt @IFEX @amnesty @IFJGlobal @zoo_bear @IndexCensorship @PeekTV_in @sohitmishra99 @vsirnate @SauravDassss @theGNI @Article14live @reporters_co @Info_Activism @abhijeet_dipke @CPJAsia @IndexCensorship @globalfreemedia @mediadefence @thomsonreuters @openmarkets @AsiaSociety

On 30 May 2026, the Haryana government suspended mobile internet, bulk SMS, and dongle services within a 1-km radius of Faridabad's NIT Zone, citing public order concerns during a demolition drive. #internetshutdown #KeepItOn #LetTheNetWork @accessnow

📣 ANNOUNCEMENT !📣 We’re excited to announce our video series on ‘Protecting Press Freedom in India,’ in collaboration with @RSF_en. 🥁 From internet shutdowns and censorship to surveillance, device seizures, and targeted online abuse, journalists today are increasingly facing digital threats. ⚠️🗞️🛜 These threats often go unseen behind the headlines. To bring them into focus, we spoke with journalists across regions and platforms. 🚨 Each episode in the series shines a light on the realities of reporting in the digital age. Hear directly from the journalists, unfiltered and firsthand. 🎙️⚖️ The first video drops NEXT WEEK. Stay tuned!👀 #censorship #freespeech #pressfreedom #privacy @MnshaP @AbhinandanSekhr @geetaseshu @KhabarLahariya @EastMojo @kumar_86_amit @medianama @newslaundry @dhanyarajendran @sanket @Memeghnad @Aditi_muses @AroonDeep @PunsterX @ravish_journo @TheDeshBhakt @IFEX @amnesty @IFJGlobal @zoo_bear @IndexCensorship @PeekTV_in @Priyanshi50 @anishgawande @PunsterX @whattalawyer @sohitmishra99 @vsirnate @SauravDassss @theGNI @kalpana1947 @samzsays @MathewLiz @parthpunter @Article14live @reporters_co @Info_Activism

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