India has emerged as a leader in internet shutdowns. The growing technological powerhouse cuts off the internet more often than any other democracy in the world and accounts for over 67% of all blackouts globally.

In 2019 it cut off the internet in Jammu and Kashmir for over 168 days. One of the longest digital blackouts in a democratic country. It is also known to throttle internet speeds, ban websites and smartphone apps.

In 2020, the disruptions to internet access cost the Indian economy US$2.6 billion. But beyond economic losses, internet shutdowns are at odds with civil liberties.

Why does the government shut down the web so frequently and at what cost to its citizens?

From Series 8 of the award-winning series, Undercover Asia