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Internet Shutdowns Surge Worldwide, UN Warns Of Growing Threat To Rights

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Governments around the world are increasingly cutting off internet access during protests, elections and political crises, raising serious concerns about freedom of expression and democratic participation, according to the United Nations.

In a statement issued this week, UNESCO said internet shutdowns have reached alarming levels in recent years, warning that the trend threatens fundamental rights and the flow of reliable information.

Record Number Of Shutdowns

According to data cited by UNESCO from digital rights monitoring group Access Now, 2024 recorded the highest number of internet shutdowns since global tracking began in 2016.

The agency said the pattern has continued into 2026, with several countries already imposing widespread digital restrictions amid political unrest or electoral processes.

UNESCO stressed that access to information is closely tied to freedom of expression and other fundamental rights.

“Access to information is an integral part of the universal right to freedom of expression,” the agency said.

Reliable internet connectivity, it noted, also supports education, freedom of association and assembly, and participation in cultural, social and political life.

The UN body called on governments to prioritise policies that expand access to digital communication rather than restrict it.

Shutdowns Increase Risk Of Misinformation

UNESCO also warned that cutting off internet access can unintentionally fuel the spread of misinformation.

When journalists, news organisations and public authorities lose access to digital platforms, the availability of verified information declines sharply. In such environments, rumours and unverified content can spread rapidly.

Without reliable online communication channels, citizens may also struggle to obtain timely updates during emergencies or political events.

Protests And Elections Often Trigger Restrictions

Recent months have seen several high-profile cases of governments restricting internet access during periods of political tension.

In January 2026, authorities in Iran imposed a near-total nationwide internet blackout during renewed protests. Connectivity monitoring services reported internet traffic dropping to extremely low levels, disrupting businesses and limiting communication between citizens, journalists and civil society organisations.

Afghanistan also experienced a nationwide internet shutdown between September and October 2025 after the Taliban authorities ordered telecommunications networks to suspend services. The disruption affected humanitarian operations, media reporting and access to online education, particularly for women and girls.

In Nepal, authorities temporarily blocked access to 26 social media and messaging platforms in September 2025 during a period of political unrest.

Sri Lanka has also faced scrutiny after adopting legislation in 2024 that grants authorities broad powers to regulate and restrict online content.

Election-Related Restrictions In Africa

Internet disruptions linked to elections have also been reported across several African countries.

In Cameroon, connectivity was significantly disrupted during the presidential election held in October 2025. Around the same time, Tanzania imposed internet restrictions and partial shutdowns during its national polls.

Digital rights groups have criticised such measures, warning that limiting online communication during elections undermines transparency and restricts public debate.

Human Rights Concerns

Concerns about internet shutdowns have been raised previously by the UN human rights office.

A 2022 report from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights examined the global impact of such restrictions and concluded that shutdowns often violate international human rights standards.

The report found that blocking internet access can have far-reaching consequences beyond the intended targets.

In emergencies, for example, hospitals may struggle to contact doctors or coordinate care. Small businesses can lose access to customers and markets, while voters may be deprived of crucial information about candidates and election processes.

The report also highlighted the risks faced by protesters who may be unable to communicate or seek help during violent crackdowns.

Call For Responsible Digital Governance

Because internet shutdowns typically affect entire populations rather than specific individuals, the UN says they rarely meet international standards requiring measures to be lawful, necessary and proportionate.

Experts warn that such restrictions can widen digital inequalities, slow economic growth and undermine democratic institutions.

UNESCO is therefore urging governments to ensure that digital governance policies protect connectivity and uphold human rights.

As internet access becomes increasingly essential for daily life, the agency said safeguarding open and reliable digital networks will be critical for protecting democratic participation and social progress worldwide.

‘Peace is a choice’: UN chief urges diplomacy as wars spread from Gaza to Ukraine

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This is the only sustainable path to global security, he told ministers at a high-level open debate of the Security Council on Tuesday.

The Secretary-General emphasised that the UN Charter’s tools – negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration and more – remain a lifeline when tensions escalate, grievances fester and states lose trust in each other.

These tools are needed now more than ever, he stressed, as conflicts rage and international law is violated with impunity.

“The cost is staggering – measured in human lives, shattered communities and lost futures. We need look no further than the horror show in Gaza – with a level of death and destruction without parallel in recent times.”

The risk of starvation looms and aid operations are being denied the space and safety to function. UN premises, such as the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS) and the World Health Organization (WHO)’s main warehouse, have been hit despite parties being notified of their locations.

“These premises are inviolable and must be protected under international humanitarian law – without exception,” Mr. Guterres reiterated.

Peace is a choice – make it

From Gaza to Ukraine, from the Sahel to Sudan, Haiti and Myanmar, “conflict is raging, international law is being trampled, and hunger and displacement are at record levels,” he continued, adding that terrorism, violent extremism and transnational crime also remain “persistent scourges” pushing security further out of reach.

“Peace is a choice. And the world expects the Security Council to help countries make this choice.”

Mr. Guterres pointed to the UN Charter’s bedrock obligation in Article 2.3 that “all Members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means”, and to Chapter VI, which empowers the Security Council to support “negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrangements, or other peaceful means of their own choice.”

Action 16 of last year’s Pact for the Future urges states to recommit to preventive diplomacy, he said, commending Pakistan – the Council President for July – for tabling a resolution encouraging fuller use of those tools, which was adopted unanimously at the meeting.

Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the Security Council high-level open debate.

P5 must overcome divisions

Security Council members – “in particular its permanent members” – must overcome divisions, the Secretary-General said, reminding them that even during the Cold War, Council dialogue underpinned peacekeeping missions and humanitarian access, and helped prevent a third world war.

He urged members to keep channels open, build consensus and make the body “more representative” of today’s geopolitical realities with more inclusive, transparent and accountable working methods.

Mr. Guterres also urged deeper cooperation with regional and subregional organizations.

Mediation can work even amid war, he said, noting the third anniversary of the Black Sea Initiative and a related memorandum with Russia that enabled grain movements during the conflict in Ukraine.

Renew commitment to multilateralism

States must honour their obligations under the Charter; international human rights, refugee and humanitarian law, and the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence, Mr. Guterres said.

“As we mark the 80th anniversary of our Organization and the Charter that gave it life and shape, we need to renew our commitment to the multilateral spirit of peace through diplomacy,” he said.

“I look forward to working with you to achieve the international peace and security the people of the world need and deserve.”

Security Council open debate

A signature event of the Pakistani presidency, Tuesday’s open debate was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar.

The session aimed to assess the effectiveness of existing mechanisms for pacific dispute settlement, examine best practices and explore new strategies for tackling protracted conflicts.

It also sought to enhance cooperation with regional organizations, boost capacity-building and resource mobilisation, and align future efforts with the conflict-prevention vision outlined in the Pact for the Future.

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Myanmar quake: Ongoing aftershocks spread fear

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Aid agencies warned on Tuesday that more than 6.3 million people remain in urgent need of support in the worst-affected central areas around Mandalay.

“People [are] forced to sleep outside, safe water is scarce, health services are disrupted,” said UN aid coordination office, OCHA, in an appeal for more support from the international community.

The latest aftershock struck late on Sunday night and measured 4.4 on the Richter scale, said UN partner the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

“This is provoking widespread fear within a population already traumatised and also fear within the responders themselves,” said Nadia Khoury, IFRC Head of Delegation in Myanmar, speaking from Yangon.

Millions impacted

While the attention of the international community has faded, dispossessed families still need help rebuilding their lives, said OCHA’s Christina Powell.

“The emergency for most is far from over – it is another crisis on top of the challenges already facing the people of Myanmar,” said Ms. Powell. “People told me they are too afraid to go back into their homes, worried they could collapse at any moment with the ongoing aftershocks.”

In badly affected areas including Mandalay and Bago in the south of the country, some communities already suffered unprecedented floods last September. The earthquakes brought another wave of devastation.

Assessments indicate that the quakes damaged or destroyed 55,000 homes in the Central Asian nation, where civil war has raged since a military coup in February 2021.

In Mandalay, OCHA reported that locals have continued to deliver food and household items to people still living on the roadside or in community shelters. But needs are widespread and include shelter, food, personal hygiene kits and even toilets, said OCHA’s Tin Aung Thein.

“These people are already vulnerable depending solely on their daily wages. For their recovery, international support is greatly needed.”

Over the last month, IFRC has provided life-sustaining support – including safe drinking water, healthcare, tarpaulins for tents and items for women and children – to more than 110,000 people.

The aid organization has also delivered 250 metric tons of aid and helped distribute over 220,000 litres of safe drinking water to Myanmar every day. Its $121 million appeal is only 15 per cent funded.  

Right to live in dignity

Ms. Powell of OCHA urged the international community to step up and support the population’s right to “live in safety and dignity”.

“Additional and quick disbursement of resources and sustained access to all communities are vital to ensure that the situation does not deteriorate even further,” Ms. Powell insisted.