Governments imposed internet shutdowns during 12 elections in 2024, a 140% spike from just 5 in 2023 and a return to the peak levels last seen in 2018-2019.

This is based on data collected from the AccessNow #KeepItON campaign. It runs a global tracker of internet shutdowns. 

The data shows election shutdowns have doubled from 2016’s baseline of 5, despite the temporary 2021-2023 trough when COVID-era conditions and postponed elections reduced the need for internet blackouts.

TL;DR

• There were 12 internet shutdowns that had an election string to it globally in 2024
• Most shutdowns resulted from efforts to limit information flow during major crises in some regions. 

Number of Election-related Internet Shutdowns from 2016-2024

After a decline from 2020 to 2023, the sudden rebound in 2024 suggests that governments are once again increasingly turning to internet blackouts during elections. 

The trend shows renewed concerns about digital restrictions being used to manage political tension, protests, or vote-related unrest during serious democratic moments.

The Eight-Year Trajectory

Looking at the full timeline, the pattern forms a clear U-shape.

• 2016 began with 5 election-related shutdowns, starting the early baseline.
• By 2018 and 2019, the number increased to 12, showing the first major peak.
• From 2021 to 2023, shutdowns ranged from 5 to 7 per year, creating a temporary trough.
• In 2024, the number rose again to 12, returning to peak levels.

The trend means that the earlier decline was not a lasting improvement. 

Instead, 2024 shows a renewed willingness by governments to suspend internet access during elections, reversing the downward trend seen in the early 2020s.

What Explains the 2024 Spike

One major reason election-related internet shutdowns rose in 2024 is that it was a heavy global election year, with a high number of national elections. 

This meant governments were more likely to stop connectivity during politically sensitive periods to control information flow.

Some high-profile election clashes with shutdowns. 

1. Bangladesh: Bangladesh experienced prolonged blackouts due to protests and political upheaval in 2024, with internet access cut across the country during the months of major unrest. 
2. India: India’s general election cycle from April through June saw numerous shutdowns, making it the largest among democracies, with 84 documented cases. 
3. Pakistan: Pakistan’s February polls were marred by mobile internet restrictions and social media blocks amid controversy and post-election tensions.

Other countries with election-linked disruptions included Senegal, where authorities shut down the internet after a delayed presidential vote, and Indonesia, Russia, and Venezuela, each reporting shutdowns tied to political disputes. 

The 2018-2019 Peak Context

Internet shutdowns reached a high point in 2018, with almost 196 shutdowns worldwide, a sharp increase from previous years as authorities sought to control protests, elections, and political unrest. 

Many shutdowns were due to efforts to limit information flow during major crises, such as in Venezuela, Sudan, Algeria, and Hong Kong.

These are all areas marked by mass protests and state crackdowns around that time.

In Bangladesh, shutdowns were used around the 2018 election, showing how political events became a common justification for connectivity cuts. 

After peaking in both 2018 and 2019, when the number of recorded shutdowns stayed high, the global total decreased in the early 2020s before rising again.

ELI5

In simple terms, more elections and more political tension led to more internet blackouts. In 2024, there were 12 election-related internet shutdowns worldwide, a sharp increase compared with recent years.

Most of these shutdowns were linked to efforts to control information during major political crises, protests, or unrest. By limiting internet access, authorities can slow the spread of news, reduce online organizing, and manage public reaction during sensitive moments.

Source: 

accessnow | OONI | BBC