NAIROBI, Kenya — Governments across the world are increasingly resorting to internet shutdowns during protests, elections and political unrest, a trend the United Nations says is undermining human rights, democratic participation and access to reliable information.
At least 300 internet shutdowns have been recorded in more than 54 countries over the past two years, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which warns the practice reached record levels in 2024 and has continued into 2026.
In a statement, UNESCO said cutting off internet access is being used as a tool to manage political crises, but the approach comes at a steep cost to freedom of expression, access to information and other fundamental rights.
“Access to information is an integral part of the universal right to freedom of expression and central to the realisation of a broad range of human rights,” UNESCO said, noting its importance to education, freedom of assembly and participation in social, cultural and political life.
The agency cautioned that internet shutdowns often backfire by fuelling misinformation, as citizens are cut off from verified sources of information, while public services, businesses and emergency communication systems are disrupted.
High-profile digital blackouts
Recent months have seen several high-profile shutdowns and restrictions.
In January 2026, Iran imposed a near-total nationwide internet blackout amid renewed protests, severely limiting communication for journalists, civil society organisations and the general public.
In Afghanistan, the Taliban ordered a nationwide shutdown between September and October 2025, further constraining humanitarian work, journalism and access to education, particularly for women and girls.
Some governments have opted for targeted restrictions instead of full blackouts.
Nepal suspended access to 26 social media and messaging platforms in September 2025 during political unrest, while Sri Lanka’s 2024 legislation granting authorities broad powers to restrict online content has drawn concern over a shrinking digital civic space.
Election-related shutdowns in Africa
Election periods remain a flashpoint for internet disruptions, especially in Africa.
Cameroon and Tanzania imposed shutdowns or online restrictions around the October 2025 elections, moves that attracted criticism from rights groups for limiting civic freedoms and transparency.
UNESCO warned that such measures disproportionately affect millions of people and often fail to meet international human rights standards.
A 2022 UN report found that internet shutdowns rarely achieve their stated security goals, while deepening digital divides and undermining social and economic development.
Call for open and connected societies
The agency urged governments to adopt policies that promote connectivity rather than restrict it, stressing that the internet is critical for education, civic participation and democratic engagement — especially during times of crisis.
“UNESCO calls on governments to ensure that citizens exercise their democratic rights, more so in times of crisis, through the internet and other online platforms,” the statement said.
