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According to a report from InternetShutdowns.in, an organization monitoring internet shutdowns in India, Manipur has experienced over 200 days of internet closure. Since May 3, mobile internet has been either completely or partially suspended due to ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities in the northeastern state.
In September, there was a brief restoration of internet services for three days, only to be banned again. News reports indicate that the internet ban has been extended until November 23, citing concerns about potential misuse of social media for spreading hate speech and inciting violence. However, there is no official information on the restoration of internet services.
For five consecutive years, India has led the global list of states implementing internet shutdowns for its citizens. Internet shutdowns involve the deliberate disruption of internet or electronic communication to control information flow. Governments worldwide argue that such measures are necessary to prevent misinformation during crisis situations.
Citing data from the global tracker Top 10 VPNs, Business Standard reported that India incurred a greater financial loss from internet suspensions in the first six months of 2023 than in the entire year of 2022. The country experienced a loss of $255.2 million till June 2023, compared to $184.3 million in 2022.
