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An internet shutdown is defined as the “intentional disruption of internet or electronic communications, rendering them inaccessible or effectively unusable, for a specific population or within a location, often to exert control over the flow of information."

There were at least 182 documented instances of internet shutdowns around the world (34 countries) in 2021. The number of shutdowns increased by 23 in 2021 compared to 2020.

India topped the list for the fourth consecutive year with 106 shutdowns in 2021. After India, Myanmar imposed the highest number of shutdowns at 15, followed by Sudan and Iran with 5 shutdowns each.

There are other instances where governments block specific communication platforms and deny access to VPNs:
- Myanmar: blocked Twitter as part of its digital coup.
- Russia: throttled Twitter after it failed to remove content requested by the government.
- Pakistan: authorities cut access to several major social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok, ahead of planned anti-government protests.
- Iran: authorities blocked the Signal messaging app.

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