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Why do governments shut down the internet?

Why do governments shut down the internet – and what happens when it gets turned off?

Why do governments shut down the internet – and what happens when it gets turned off? Data published by the international digital rights organisation Access Now shows that internet shutdowns have been increasing in the last five years. This series follows the work of campaigner Felicia Anthonio, who leads the #KeepItOn campaign for Access Now. Her job is to identify and verify internet shutdowns as they happen, and tell the world about it.

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The Shutdown: Misinformation

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02/03/2022 GMT

Misinformation

BBC World Service - The Shutdown, Misinformation

India has been responsible for more shutdowns each year than any other country. Why?

It is often claimed that shut downs are required to stop the spread of misinformation online, particularly during times of uncertainty or protest. In India, one of the world's largest democracy, internet shutdowns are a regular occurrence. According to data published by Access Now, an international digital rights, non-profit organisation, India has been responsible for more shutdowns each year than any other country. In part, this is because there is legal provision for the Indian authorities to disrupt internet access in certain cases.

Felicia Anthonio, a campaigner for Access Now, identifies and verifies internet shutdowns as they happen around the world, and works to raise awareness of the human rights implications. She hears from the ordinary people who are affected by internet shutdowns in times of crisis. The United Nations has condemned internet shutdowns as a breach of international human rights law.

Producer: Beatrice Pickup
Reporter in Delhi:  Anish Ahluwalia

(Photo: Delhi gate at the Red Fort in Delhi, India. Credit: Richard Sowersby/BBC)

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