The UNESCO has warned that the number of internet shutdowns is on the increase worldwide. According to data provided by digital rights platform accessnow.org, internet access has been curbed 116 times in 30 countries since January 2016.

India is far in the lead with 54 shutdowns, followed by neighboring Pakistan that had 10 digital blackouts. By definition, an internet shutdown happens when someone, usually a government, disrupts the internet or mobile apps.