SHRINKING DEMOCRACY, GROWING VIOLENCE 22 The geographic scope of shutdowns is broadening Number of shutdowns 41.3% of internet shutdowns in 2023 affected people in multiple areas in a country or nationwide One city, county, or village More than one city in the same state, province or region 2022 More than one state, province or region Unknown 2023 46.8% of shutdowns only affected one city, county, or village (94) 30.4% of shutdowns only affected one city, county, or village (86) 17.9% of shutdowns affected more than one city in the same state, province, or region (36) 28.3% of shutdowns affected more than one city in the same state, province, or region (80) 34.8% of shutdowns affected locations in more than one state, province, or region (70) 41.3% of shutdowns affected locations in more than one state, province, or region (117) 0.5% unknown (1) The geographic scope of shutdowns is another indicator of how authorities seek to use the digital space to marginalize and silence people. Although authorities use a variety of tactics to target specific populations, oftentimes they recklessly shut off the internet for entire regions. In 2023, only 30.4% of all shutdowns were on the smallest scale (only affecting one city, county, or village), whereas 46.8% of all shutdowns were on this scale in 2022. Myanmar was a clear exception to this trend, with 20 of 37 recorded shutdowns in 2023 imposed locally. India significantly expanded the geographic scope of its shutdowns in 2023, imposing disruptions in more than one district in the same state, province, or region 64 times, compared to 15 in 2022. In Manipur alone, people experienced 47 shutdown orders, 44 of which were implemented for the entire state. These shutdowns were ordered amid community clashes and widespread gender-based violence, making it even more difficult for women to report abuse.83 Globally, internet shutdowns impacting entire countries or territories, or multiple regions simultaneously, are on the rise. There were 80 shutdowns at this level in 2023, compared to 70 in 2022 — the highest-ever figure recorded in a single year. Israel imposed nine shutdowns that impacted all of the Gaza Strip and was responsible for most of the global increase. Platform blocks also continue to be an important part of this story, since this type of shutdown is often imposed as a blanket ban across entire countries or regions. In 40 of the 53 platform blocks in 2023, bans were imposed nationwide. 83 Reuters (2023). India internet shutdowns hurt women more, Manipur assaults show. https://www.reuters.com/article/indiainternet-women-idUSL8N39B0AR/