Flicking the kill switch: governments embrace internet shutdowns
&gt; India leads total shutdowns globally. In 2021, the world’s largest democracy shut off its internet 106 times – more than the rest of the world combined. Hardest-hit was the conflict-ridden region of Jammu and Kashmir, which was subject to 85 shutdowns under the guise of containing separatist violence. The blackouts shut down Zoom classes for students, stopped doctors from communicating with their remote patients and crippled the banking system, causing mortgage holders to default on their loans. Apple crops rotted before they could be sold and businesses were paralysed.<p>India was a leader in Internet shutdowns in the years before 2021 too. Don&#x27;t for a moment assume that the hardest hit region of Jammu and Kashmir is the only one. Internet shutdowns are routinely used in most states whenever the state executive or law enforcement thinks there could be some trouble. Sadly, the Indian judiciary is more of an ally to the executive, and doesn&#x27;t consider these &quot;sledge hammer&quot; approaches as questionable or challenge-worthy. Strict control over the Internet and Internet based companies (which would be almost all) are of prime importance to the majority lawmakers and to the executive. That theme, which goes hand in hand with surveillance, is a major thread across the country, and a major threat to the &quot;of the people, for the people&quot; slogan (these are not &quot;by the people&quot;, many of whom are taught what to think and believe by...media owned&#x2F;influenced by the majority parties).