New study on internet shutdowns in South and Southeast Asia

In 2023, the majority of the documented 283 internet shutdowns were occurring in South and Southeast Asia. In their study, Miraj Ahmed Chowdhury, Muhammad Saurav Rahman and Nusrat Aditi Zaman examine how governments use such disruptions and discuss the serious repercussions on independent media across the region:

"The relentless struggle of the media to persist in delivering vital information to the public during internet shutdowns remains largely unseen, frequently overlooked, and under-researched. While the digital age has made connectivity indispensable for news gathering, dissemination, and financial sustainability, shutdowns disrupt these essential functions. This significantly hampers both journalists' ability to report and citizens' access to credible, factual information."

Internet shutdowns require a coordinated response

The authors argue that internet shutdowns require a coordinated response from media organizations, digital rights activists, and international supporters to protect freedom of expression and citizens' right to information.

The study was funded by the Center for International Media Assistance (CIMA). CIMA is an initiative of the National Endowment for Democracy and based in Washington, DC.