UNESCO Sounds Alarm on the Global Rise of Internet Shutdowns
In a stark warning to governments and international actors, UNESCO has raised concerns about the increasing use of internet shutdowns to manage political crises, protests, and electoral periods. The agency emphasizes that deliberate disruption of digital networks undermines freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to participate in public life. As online platforms become central to modern governance and civic engagement, such disruptions carry far-reaching consequences for democracy and human rights.
The Scope and Drivers of Shutdowns
Recent data indicate that more than 300 internet shutdowns have occurred across numerous countries in the last few years. Shutdowns take varied forms, from disabling social media and messaging apps to complete countrywide outages. Governments justify these actions as necessary to preserve public safety, prevent the spread of misinformation, or maintain order during protests and sensitive political periods. However, UNESCO notes that these justifications often mask broader aims to stifle dissent, silence journalists, and dampen citizen oversight during elections or political transitions.
Impact on Human Rights and Development
Access to the internet is now a core component of fundamental rights, enabling education, healthcare, commerce, and civic participation. When connectivity is severed, students miss online learning, small and medium enterprises lose revenue, and health workers struggle to coordinate care. UNESCO reminds policymakers that shutdowns disproportionately affect marginalized communities, rural populations, and those relying on digital tools for essential services. The consequence is a widening information gap that undermines inclusive development and democratic accountability.
Digital Security and Information Integrity
Beyond immediate human rights concerns, shutdowns jeopardize information integrity and the ability of citizens to verify official statements. In many instances, abrupt disconnections push people toward informal networks or unverified channels, increasing the risk of rumors and misinformation. UNESCO advocates for transparent, proportionate, and rights-respecting responses to crises that safeguard essential communications channels while addressing public safety concerns.
What UNESCO Recommends to Policymakers
To curb the proliferation of internet shutdowns, UNESCO outlines a suite of practical steps for governments and stakeholders:
- Adopt legal frameworks that ensure internet access remains available during emergencies unless strictly necessary and proportionate to the risk.
- Establish independent oversight mechanisms to scrutinize shutdown orders, with clear timelines for restoration of services.
- Invest in resilient digital infrastructure and alternative communication channels to minimize disruption during crises.
- Promote judicial and administrative remedies for individuals affected by shutdowns, including transparent reporting and accountability for violations.
- Foster international cooperation to share best practices, data, and impact assessments that can guide reforms and prevent abuse.
Protecting the Public’s Right to Information
Protecting access to information is not merely a digital issue—it is a matter of democratic legitimacy. When people cannot access reliable information, they cannot participate in informed debate, monitor government actions, or hold authorities to account. UNESCO calls on lawmakers to balance public safety with the imperative to keep essential communication channels open, and to consider alternative risk-mitigation strategies that do not stifle freedom of expression.
The Role of Civil Society and the International Community
Civil society organizations, journalists, technologists, and researchers have a crucial role in documenting shutdowns, analyzing their impacts, and advocating for policy reforms. International bodies, including UNESCO, the United Nations, and regional human rights mechanisms, can support monitoring efforts, provide technical assistance, and amplify accountability measures. Collective action and evidence-based advocacy are essential to reversing the trend of routine internet disconnections and safeguarding digital rights worldwide.
Looking Ahead
As digital connectivity remains a cornerstone of modern life, the trend toward more frequent shutdowns poses a serious challenge to human rights and democratic processes. UNESCO’s call to action emphasizes prevention, proportionality, transparency, and accountability. By prioritizing rights-centered approaches to crisis management, governments can protect public safety without sacrificing the essential freedoms to connect, learn, and participate in society.
