Internet Shutdowns

ENDING INTERNET SHUTDOWNS

Internet shutdowns threaten human rights around the world. They harm everyone: businesses, emergency services, journalism, human rights defenders, and protesters. Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition work with stakeholders across sectors to end internet shutdowns worldwide.

GUIDE

KeepItOn: Fighting internet shutdowns around the world

In 2021, Access Now’s Shutdown Tracker Optimization Project (STOP), in collaboration with the #KeepItOn coalition, recorded at least 182 internet shutdowns in 34 countries worldwide, including the longest internet shutdowns on record.

RESOURCES

Image: KeepItOn elections watch 2022

Freedom of Expression

#KeepItOn: 2022 elections and internet shutdowns watch

Elections and internet shutdowns are a disaster for democracy. See which countries the #KeepItOn coalition is watching in 2022.

#KeepItOn Report - The return of digital authoritarianism: internet shutdowns in 2021

Digital Security

Internet shutdowns in 2021: the return of digital authoritarianism

In 2021, Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition documented 182 internet shutdowns across 34 countries. This shows a dramatic resurgence of this oppressive form of control.

#KeepItOn during elections

Digital Security

Taxonomy of a shutdown: 8 ways governments restrict access to the internet, and how to #KeepItOn

Our new guide explains the technology behind network interference to help people prepare for, circumvent, and document internet shutdowns.

KeepItOn Election shutdown handbook header image

Internet Shutdowns

Internet shutdowns and elections handbook

Internet shutdowns and elections handbook A guide for election observers, embassies, activists, and journalists [Leer en español] [Читайте на русском] This handbook explains how internet shutdowns undermine democractic elections and

#KeepItOn

Internet Shutdowns

KeepItOn: frequently asked questions

#KeepItOn: A global movement to end internet shutdowns 1. What is the #KeepItOn campaign? It’s a campaign launched by Access Now in 2016 to help unite and organize the efforts of activists

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Freedom of Expression

Have questions about internet shutdowns? Kill Switch has answers

Why aren’t internet shutdowns illegal? Are there ways to bypass them? Can we fight internet shutdowns in court? Does anyone see a way to end shutdowns, once and for all? Kill Switch podcast has the answers.

Advocating to #KeepItOn during elections: what you can do

Latest updates

Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

Sudan’s communication blackout ends as Sudani network restored

12 Feb 2024
News
Sudan’s communication blackout ends as Sudani network restored
The New Arab ↗
12 Feb 2024
Sudan’s communication blackout ends as Sudani network restored
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

I blackout di internet minacciano le elezioni 2024

10 Feb 2024
News
I blackout di internet minacciano le elezioni 2024
WIRED ↗
10 Feb 2024
I blackout di internet minacciano le elezioni 2024
#KeepItOn during elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently 

9 Feb 2024

The warring parties in Sudan must immediately end the disruption of internet access across the country and #KeepItOn!

Press Release
#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently 
9 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn in times of war: Sudan’s communications shutdown must be reversed urgently 
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

Mobile services in Pakistan gradually restored following election day blackout

8 Feb 2024
News
Mobile services in Pakistan gradually restored following election day blackout
The New Arab ↗
8 Feb 2024
Mobile services in Pakistan gradually restored following election day blackout
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

Pakistan government cuts internet as voters head to polls during general election

8 Feb 2024
News
Pakistan government cuts internet as voters head to polls during general election
The Record ↗
8 Feb 2024
Pakistan government cuts internet as voters head to polls during general election
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn: To defend democracy, authorities must immediately reconnect Pakistan’s internet 

8 Feb 2024
Press Release
#KeepItOn: To defend democracy, authorities must immediately reconnect Pakistan’s internet 
8 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn: To defend democracy, authorities must immediately reconnect Pakistan’s internet 
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

A Sudanese paramilitary group accused of ethnic cleansing is still tweeting through it

7 Feb 2024
News
A Sudanese paramilitary group accused of ethnic cleansing is still tweeting through it
WIRED ↗
7 Feb 2024
A Sudanese paramilitary group accused of ethnic cleansing is still tweeting through it
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

Protests erupt after Senegal parliament voted on the election delay

6 Feb 2024
News
Protests erupt after Senegal parliament voted on the election delay
Newzroom Afrika ↗
6 Feb 2024
Protests erupt after Senegal parliament voted on the election delay
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn in Pakistan: ensure open and secure internet for all during the 2024 elections

6 Feb 2024

As Pakistan heads into elections on 8 February 2024, authorities must guarantee uninterrupted internet access for everyone across the country. 

Press Release
#KeepItOn in Pakistan: ensure open and secure internet for all during the 2024 elections
6 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn in Pakistan: ensure open and secure internet for all during the 2024 elections
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn: Pakistan’s caretaker government and election commission must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 elections 

6 Feb 2024

Access Now, the #KeepItOn coalition, and organisations from across globe urge authorities to #KeepItOn during the 2024 Pakistan elections.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: Pakistan’s caretaker government and election commission must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 elections 
6 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn: Pakistan’s caretaker government and election commission must ensure open and secure internet access throughout the 2024 elections 
Senegal Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn: Senegalese authorities must immediately reinstate mobile internet access to all

5 Feb 2024

Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition denounce the ongoing internet shutdown in Senegal on Saturday, February 3, 2024.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: Senegalese authorities must immediately reinstate mobile internet access to all
5 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn: Senegalese authorities must immediately reinstate mobile internet access to all
Azerbaijani government #KeepItOn elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

Azerbaijani government and telcos must #KeepItOn during presidential elections

5 Feb 2024

Access Now is calling on the government of Azerbaijan to ensure unrestricted access to the internet throughout the election. 

Press Release
Azerbaijani government and telcos must #KeepItOn during presidential elections
5 Feb 2024
Azerbaijani government and telcos must #KeepItOn during presidential elections
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

#KeepItOn: government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and internet service providers must  maintain free, open, and secure internet access throughout upcoming elections

5 Feb 2024

The government of Azerbaijan must ensure people can access open and secure internet when they need it the most and #KeepItOn.

Press Release
#KeepItOn: government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and internet service providers must  maintain free, open, and secure internet access throughout upcoming elections
5 Feb 2024
#KeepItOn: government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and internet service providers must  maintain free, open, and secure internet access throughout upcoming elections
KeepItOn 2024 Elections and Internet Shutdowns Watch
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

2024 elections and internet shutdowns watch

5 Feb 2024

Governments around the world continue to shut down the internet during elections. Join our 2024 elections watch to #KeepItOn.

Campaign
2024 elections and internet shutdowns watch
5 Feb 2024
2024 elections and internet shutdowns watch
Azerbaijan elections internet elections
Internet Shutdowns
Internet Shutdowns

‘Cortina de ferro digital’ e liberdade de imprensa dizimada: violações se agravam nos três anos do golpe em Mianmar

2 Feb 2024
News
‘Cortina de ferro digital’ e liberdade de imprensa dizimada: violações se agravam nos três anos do golpe em Mianmar
MediaTalks ↗
2 Feb 2024
‘Cortina de ferro digital’ e liberdade de imprensa dizimada: violações se agravam nos três anos do golpe em Mianmar
Gaza Paltel
Freedom of Expression
Freedom of Expression

Gaza aid in-depth: Response leaders warn of extreme obstacles, even with a ceasefire

1 Feb 2024
News
Gaza aid in-depth: Response leaders warn of extreme obstacles, even with a ceasefire
The New Humanitarian ↗
1 Feb 2024
Gaza aid in-depth: Response leaders warn of extreme obstacles, even with a ceasefire