India reports highest number of internet blocks worldwide

The central government and state government of India has the authority to call for a ban on internet services in any location in case of emergency situations. In the year 2019, India reported the highest number of internet blocks in the world. As per Internet Shutdown Tracker report, the internet had been shut down 106 times in the country in 2019.

In India, prior judicial approval for internet shutdown is not required and both central and state governments have the authority to direct telecom companies to shut down internet services or take down sites, among other things. All licensed ISPs are obliged by law to sign an agreement that allows Indian government authorities to access user data.