At least 300 shutdown incidents have been recorded across more than 54 countries over the past two years, according to new findings released this week by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
The agency says governments are increasingly cutting internet connectivity during elections, protests and periods of political unrest, despite the central role digital access plays in democratic participation and public accountability.
Citing data from the civil society group Access Now, UNESCO said 2024 marked the worst year for shutdowns since global tracking began in 2016, and the trend has continued into 2026.
“Access to information is an integral part of the universal right to freedom of expression,” the agency stressed, highlighting that internet availability is also fundamental to education, freedom of association, and participation in cultural and political life.
UNESCO urged governments to adopt policies that expand, rather than restrict, digital access.
The organisation also warned that shutdowns fuel misinformation, noting that when journalists, emergency services and public authorities are cut off from online platforms, verified information becomes harder to obtain, creating space for rumours and falsehoods to spread unchecked.
Several countries have imposed sweeping restrictions in recent months. Iran enforced a near‑total nationwide blackout in January 2026 during renewed protests, severely limiting communication and economic activity.
In Afghanistan, the Taliban imposed a weeks‑long shutdown in late 2025, hampering humanitarian operations and further constraining access to education, particularly for women and girls. In Africa, election‑related disruptions remain common, including significant network interference in Cameroon and partial shutdowns in Tanzania during their 2025 polls.
A 2022 report from the UN human rights office found that shutdowns rarely meet international human rights standards and often harm millions beyond their intended targets, deepening inequality and hindering social and economic development.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
