In 2024, internet shutdowns reached unprecedented levels, with 167 major outages reported across 28 countries, resulting in a staggering $7.69 billion in losses to the global economy. Sub-Saharan Africa bore the brunt of these government-imposed blackouts, with a financial loss of $1.56 billion due to 32,938 hours of internet downtime, impacting 111.2 million people.

According to a report by Top10VPN, the cost of internet shutdowns may have dropped by 15.8% in 2024 compared to the previous year, but the number of hours of deliberate internet disruption increased by 12%, with a total of 88,788 hours of downtime. Notably, 49,101 hours were full-on internet blackouts, while 39,687 hours targeted social media platforms, highlighting the extent to which governments are willing to control online spaces.

The report also revealed that social media platforms were disproportionately affected, with X (formerly Twitter) experiencing the most downtime, with 20,322 hours of disruption. Furthermore, a third of government internet outages were associated with additional human rights abuses in 2024, most frequently restrictions on freedom of assembly.

The top 10 African countries with the most expensive internet shutdown in 2024 were Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Algeria, Guinea, Mauritania, Senegal, Mozambique, Chad, and Mauritius. Sudan topped the list, with a total cost of $1.12 billion and 12,707 hours of downtime, affecting 23.4 million internet users.

The impact of these internet shutdowns extends beyond the financial losses, as they also cut off access to essential services, digital infrastructure, and information. This raises concerns about the erosion of online freedoms and the potential for further human rights abuses.

The trend of increasing internet shutdowns is a worrying sign for the future of digital connectivity and online freedom. As the world becomes increasingly dependent on the internet, it is essential for governments to recognize the devastating consequences of such actions and work towards ensuring that the internet remains a free and open platform for all.

In conclusion, the record-high internet shutdowns in 2024 serve as a stark reminder of the need for governments to prioritize digital freedoms and protect the rights of their citizens. As the world moves forward, it is crucial to address this issue and work towards a future where the internet remains a powerful tool for connectivity, innovation, and progress.