Exploring the Impact of Mobile Internet Shutdowns: What is an Internet Shutdown and How Does it Work?
In the district of Nuh, Haryana, a violent incident occurred during a religious procession, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of two individuals, over 200 injuries, and the destruction of several vehicles through arson. In response to the escalating violence, the state government made the decision to temporarily suspend mobile internet services in the district until August 2. This measure aims to prevent the spread of fake news, misinformation, and public anxiety.
In its official statement, the Nuhi administration stated, “To prevent the spread of misinformation and rumors through various social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook Twitter, etc. on mobile phones and text messages, to facilitate and mobilize the agitators and protestors who may cause serious loss of life and damage to public and private properties by committing arson or vandalism and other acts of violence, the Home Secretary Haryana orders suspension of mobile internet services and all dongle services etc. mobile networks except regional calls in Nuh district of Haryana state.”
But what exactly is internet blocking and how does it work? Let’s see.
Internet shutdowns
Internet shutdowns are any interruptions in the use of Internet services. These measures aim to contain situations that may turn into riots or to defuse an already ongoing riot. The Internet, especially the mobile Internet, has become an accessible form of communication, so bad actors use it during riots for illegal gatherings that can be stopped by completely disconnecting.
Such decisions can be taken either by the central government or by the state government. During such a shutdown, people will not be able to access the Internet, regardless of what network or broadband service they use.
How Internet shutdowns work
Because the Internet does not have an “off” switch that a person can press to block access to the Internet, governments or entities entrusted with this power tell Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to restrict network access in a certain area. ISPs can then do a number of things to block access from the area. They can make the IP addresses of all websites and servers unreachable, making people unable to access the Internet.
DNS blocking is another way to achieve the same effect. In addition to these, there are other advanced methods such as speed throttling, blacklisting and much more. And if you’re wondering how an ISP knows you’re in an Internet blackout zone, they use your phone number and location data to track and block access.
India’s record for internet shutdowns
According to a report by digital rights group Access Now, India shut down the Internet at least 84 times in 2022, the most shutdowns of any country in that year. India won this title for the fifth time in a row in 2022. In 2021, there were 106 internet shutdowns.
