Summary: Recent data from Cloudflare indicates a notable decline in government-imposed internet shutdowns in early 2025, contrasting with previous years where such measures were common during elections and protests. Analysts suggest this trend is influenced by the withdrawal of USAID funding and increased compliance of tech platforms with governmental censorship demands. Despite this lull, experts caution that such conditions may be temporary and emphasize the need for alternative solutions to address issues that prompt shutdowns.
Affected: Global internet users and non-governmental organizations
Keypoints :
- Cloudflare’s Q1 2025 report shows no new government internet shutdowns, a trend seen only twice in the last three years.
- Factors behind the decline include the cessation of USAID programs and heightened compliance of tech platforms with government censorship.
- Despite fewer shutdowns, significant internet disruptions occurred due to natural disasters and technical issues globally.
Source: https://therecord.media/government-internet-shutdowns-slow-in-2025