The Internet, Switched Off – Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)

Report on Internet Shutdowns and Their Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Recent events in Iran highlight the severe consequences of government-imposed internet shutdowns. During protests, Iranian authorities degraded mobile networks and disrupted fixed-line services by interfering with routing and key protocols rather than cutting cables. This shutdown facilitated the Revolutionary Guards’ crackdown on protests, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Global Trends in Internet Shutdowns

Internet shutdowns are increasingly common worldwide. Digital rights groups documented 75 shutdowns in 2016, rising to 296 across 54 countries by 2024. Governments employ various methods such as protocol blocking, cable disruptions, and platform bans. Often, domestic services remain operational while international traffic is restricted.

Government Approaches to Internet Control

1. Autocracies: Countries like China maintain permanent controls such as the Great Firewall, blocking foreign services. Russia restricts platforms like WhatsApp and YouTube while maintaining a censored domestic network. Recently, Russia granted its security agency authority to suspend internet services.
2. Democracies: Prefer temporary shutdowns during sensitive periods. Bangladesh restricts mobile access during elections, Pakistan blocks platforms amid political unrest, and India leads in shutdowns during protests and elections.
3. Western Democracies: The US and Europe do not shut down the internet to suppress criticism but allow government access to personal data under laws like the US CLOUD Act and European national security laws. They support cross-border data flows but also impose data localization rules.

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Internet shutdowns and data localization hinder innovation and infrastructure development by increasing costs and limiting access to global networks.
• SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): Restrictions on internet access undermine transparency, freedom of expression, and the rule of law by enabling governments to suppress dissent and control information.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Economic losses result from internet restrictions, particularly affecting small businesses that face increased compliance costs due to data localization.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Internet shutdowns disproportionately affect marginalized groups by limiting access to information and communication technologies.

Case Study: Iran’s Internet Shutdown

Iran’s decade-long campaign of internet control includes blocking websites like Facebook and Instagram since 2005 and limiting internet gateways. Internet service providers must comply with shutdown orders without judicial review under threat of losing licenses or facing penalties. During the 12-day war with Israel in June, Iran imposed a near-total shutdown; the current blackout is the longest and most extensive.

During unrest, Iran maintains domestic services such as government platforms and banking systems while cutting off access to international services, limiting information flow about protests. Despite outlawing Starlink satellite networks, approximately 50,000 terminals have been smuggled into Iran, enabling protesters to bypass shutdowns and share information abroad. The US company reportedly made Starlink service free during protests.

Authorities responded with military-grade GPS jamming technology supplied by Russia, raids on suspected hideouts, and seizure of Starlink terminals. Despite repression, access to Starlink remains limited due to scarcity and detectability of terminals.

Outlook and Challenges

• Partial reopening of the internet has been reported; however, international online services may not be restored before the Persian festival of Nowruz on March 20.
• The Iranian government is expected to continue imposing strict internet controls, with the ability to toggle access at will.
• Access to the global internet may remain limited to users with secure connections, increasing digital isolation.
• The founders’ vision of a seamless global internet is challenged by rising nationalism and state control.

Conclusion

Internet shutdowns and data localization policies pose significant challenges to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals by restricting access to information, hindering innovation, and enabling authoritarian control. International cooperation and policy reforms are essential to uphold digital rights and promote inclusive, secure, and resilient internet infrastructure.

About the Author

Dr. Anda Bologa is a Senior Researcher with the Tech Policy Program at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA).

Further Information

For more insights on technology policy and transatlantic cooperation, visit Bandwidth, CEPA’s online journal.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article discusses internet infrastructure disruptions, shutdowns, and data localization, which directly relate to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The suppression of protests through internet shutdowns and government control over data access touches on issues of peace, justice, and accountable institutions.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Economic losses caused by internet restrictions and data localization rules affecting small firms relate to promoting sustained economic growth and productive employment.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Restrictions on internet access and data flows can exacerbate inequalities by limiting information access and economic opportunities.
5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Data localization rules affecting health data storage imply relevance to health systems and data management.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 9
   • Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries.
2. SDG 16
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
3. SDG 8
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation.
4. SDG 10
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
5. SDG 3
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Internet Shutdown Frequency and Duration
   • The article cites the number of internet shutdowns rising from 75 in 2016 to 296 in 2024 across 54 countries, which can be used as an indicator to measure restrictions on access (related to SDG 9.c and 16.10).
2. Access to International Internet Services
   • Measures of availability or blocking of international platforms and services (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube) indicate openness of information access (SDG 16.10).
3. Economic Impact Metrics
   • Estimates of increased data-management expenses (15% to 55%) due to data localization rules provide an economic indicator relevant to SDG 8.2.
4. Government Control over Data and Internet Access
   • Legal frameworks and enforcement actions such as orders to ISPs to comply without judicial review, seizure of devices, and use of jamming technology can be indicators of institutional transparency and accountability (SDG 16.6).
5. Access to Health Data Across Borders
   • Restrictions on cross-border health data storage and flows imply indicators related to health data accessibility and security (SDG 3.8).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cepa.org