UNESCO Statement on Internet Shutdowns

UNESCO calls on governments to ensure that citizens exercise their democratic rights, more so in times of crisis, through the internet and other online platforms

UNESCO has reported a growing trend of state-sponsored internet shutdowns in recent years, with at least 300 internet shutdowns in over 54 countries over the last two years; 2024 was the worst year on record since 2016, according to Access Now. Since the beginning of 2026, blanket internet shutdowns have been imposed in countries experiencing major protests or in the middle of electoral processes.

UNESCO has consistently warned against disruptions of internet connectivity and calls on governments to implement policies that facilitate access rather than imposing barriers to connectivity. UNESCO underscores that access to Information is an integral part of the universal right to freedom of expression and central to the realization of a broad range of human rights including the rights to education, to freedom of association and assembly, to participation in social, cultural and political life, notably.

Internet disruptions not only affect journalists, media workers and media operations of providing verified information and news, but also severely impact the provision of public information to the people. Any disruption of this intricate chain not only undermines the integrity of information but further contributes to the spread of unverified and potentially harmful information, as stated by UNESCO on several occasions, from the 2023 celebration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), to the 2024 High Level Political Forum as well as in UNESCO's Guidelines on the Governance of Digital Platforms .