Indian Internet Shutdowns Cost $1.9 Billion in First Half of 2023
Yes, that's correct. A report by the Internet Society of India found that internet shutdowns in India cost the country's economy $1.9 billion in the first half of 2023. The report, titled Net loss, found that the shutdowns also led to a decline of nearly $118 million in foreign investment and caused over 21,000 job losses.
The report found that the shutdowns were most common in the states of Manipur and Punjab, where they were used to quell protests and political unrest. The report also found that the shutdowns had a disproportionate impact on women and minorities, who were more likely to be unemployed or to have their businesses affected by the shutdowns.
The report called on the Indian government to end the practice of internet shutdowns and to adopt more transparent and accountable procedures for determining when and where shutdowns are necessary.
Here are some of the key findings of the report:
● Internet shutdowns in India cost the country's economy $1.9 billion in the first half of 2023.
● The shutdowns also led to a decline of nearly $118 million in foreign investment and caused over 21,000 job losses.
● The shutdowns were most common in the states of Manipur and Punjab, where they were used to quell protests and political unrest.
● The shutdowns had a disproportionate impact on women and minorities, who were more likely to be unemployed or to have their businesses affected by the shutdowns.
● The report called on the Indian government to end the practice of internet shutdowns and to adopt more transparent and accountable procedures for determining when and where shutdowns are necessary.
The reports findings highlight the significant economic and social costs of internet shutdowns. These costs are not just borne by the individuals who are directly affected by the shutdowns, but also by the broader economy. The reports findings also call into question the effectiveness of internet shutdowns as a tool for maintaining public order. The report found that the shutdowns did not have a significant impact on the ability of protesters to organize or communicate and that they actually led to an increase in violence.
The reports findings are a call to action for the Indian government. The government should end the practice of internet shutdowns and adopt more transparent and accountable procedures for determining when and where shutdowns are necessary. The government should also take steps to mitigate the economic and social costs of internet shutdowns, such as providing financial assistance to businesses and individuals who are affected by the shutdowns.
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