The Freedom Online Coalition’s (FOC) high-level side event “Keep the Internet On! The Impact of Internet Shutdowns”, co-hosted by Estonia, the Maldives, and Access Now, took place on 25 February in Geneva, Switzerland on the margins of the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council. The session explored how the multistakeholder community can collectively draw on their various perspectives and work together towards a holistic understanding of motivations and impacts of Internet shutdowns, as well as the role of the FOC to advance a free, open, and secure Internet.
The event commenced with opening remarks from H.E. Minna-Liina Lind, Undersecretary for Global Affairs, Estonia, and was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Undersecretary Lind and featuring: H.E. Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maldives; Peggy Hicks, Director, Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division, OHCHR; Ashutosh Chadha, Senior Director, UN Affairs and International Organisations, Microsoft Switzerland; and Laura O’Brien, Senior International Counsel, Access Now.
Watch the event recording:
Undersecretary Lind opened the discussion by highlighting the deteriorating state of Internet freedom over the last 14 years and the growing trend of Internet shutdowns around the world. The Undersecretary outlined how the use of shutdowns undermines the principles of free expression, transparency and accountability, and emphasized the need for a multistakeholder approach in combating such actions. Estonia’s digital public services were referenced as an example of how connectivity strengthens governance and economic resilience, and the Undersecretary underscored the importance of a free, open, and secure Internet as an essential element of democracy. The Undersecretary also highlighted the role of the FOC in bringing together the multistakeholder community to address challenges, promote Internet freedom, and prevent repression, and noted Coalition’s past collaborative efforts and joint statements on Internet shutdowns.
Panellists examined the rise in Internet shutdowns, highlighting that the Keep It On 2024 report notes 296 recorded cases across 54 countries, with four primary offenders accounting for the majority of these incidents. They further noted that shutdowns frequently take place during elections and crises, and while they are often justified on national security grounds, they tend to exacerbate violence and human rights abuses rather than mitigate them. As shutdown tactics become more sophisticated, governments have begun using jamming technologies and cyberattacks to thwart circumvention techniques, making it increasingly difficult for affected communities to maintain access. The discussion also highlighted a growing disconnect between global efforts to expand digital connectivity and the simultaneous increase in state-imposed shutdowns. Participants noted the impact of network disruptions extends beyond Internet access alone, as mobile networks and telecommunications blackouts further compound economic and social consequences.
The dialogue included regional perspectives, with a focus on how different countries are responding to the challenge. Minister Khaleel highlighted the Maldives commitment to maintaining a secure and open Internet, citing its efforts to ensure widespread connectivity and support economic growth. Government representatives emphasized that digital access is integral to resilience, inclusivity, and public service delivery. Reports from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and Access Now detailed the significant risks Internet shutdowns pose to fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, education, and economic participation. Findings and recommendations from the OHCHR’s report were noted, including the implementation of mechanisms that would enable the systematic collection of information on mandated disruptions, and encourage governments to provide transparency on shutdown decisions. The implementation of the Global Digital Compact (GDC) was identified as an opportunity for governments to commit to stricter regulations against Internet shutdowns, with OHCHR also developing a digital human rights advisory service to provide guidance on regulatory standards.
The role of the private sector was another key focus of the discussion. As governments continue to impose shutdowns, technology companies are exploring alternative solutions, including satellite Internet services. The private sector was further being called upon to take greater responsibility in addressing the issue by increasing transparency around government shutdown requests and actively participating in dialogues that develop frameworks for accountability. Participants emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration between international organizations, governments, and businesses to counteract the growing trend of Internet disruptions and to form meaningful partnerships to enhance digital resilience.
Participants also heard from two human rights activists sharing personal experiences on the impacts of Internet shutdowns from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Iran who further illustrated the consequences of Internet shutdowns. In the DRC, a shutdown on election day in December 2024 severely impacted communication, business operations, and public services. In Iran, the speaker noted the isolating effects of prolonged Internet disruptions and the impact of such acts on the role of journalists, with the disruptions disconnecting citizens from the rest of the world and hindering their ability to share information.
Remarks from the audience reaffirmed the importance of convening the multistakeholder community to explore how to address this alarming trend. Participants highlighted the correlation between restrictions on Internet access and human rights situations of concern, such as during times of conflict, and noted upcoming opportunities such as the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) +20 review to stand against undue restrictions and to promote the Internet as a tool that enables the full enjoyment of human rights.
Stakeholders expressed commitment to sustaining discussions and ensuring that digital rights remain a priority in international Internet governance frameworks, and called for future efforts to focus on strengthening coordination and promoting policy solutions that uphold an open and accessible Internet for all.
