02.02.2026 16:35:00
Дата публикации
In 2025, global losses from internet shutdowns reached $19.7 billion, up 156% from the previous year. According to Top10VPN, 212 shutdowns were recorded in 28 countries, lasting over 120,000 hours and affecting nearly 800 million people.
Russia led with $11.9 billion in losses, followed by Venezuela and Myanmar. Europe was the hardest-hit region due to large-scale outages in Russia, while X, Telegram, and TikTok were the most frequently blocked platforms.
Experts note that, for the first time, the main motive was information security rather than elections or protests. “Soft” censorship methods such as throttling and partial protocol blocks are also on the rise.
2026 began with restrictions in Uganda, where the Communications Commission imposed a full shutdown during elections in January. Iran faced a dramatic situation: protests triggered severe traffic restrictions that escalated into a nationwide blackout, costing the economy up to $60 million per day.
NetBlocks estimated losses exceeding $224 million in just days, with local media reporting up to $800 million. Experts stressed that shutdowns paralyze banking, business, and vital services.
The Eurasian Digital Foundation emphasizes: internet shutdowns do not bring order but deepen crises. Access to the internet must be recognized as a fundamental right.
Russia led with $11.9 billion in losses, followed by Venezuela and Myanmar. Europe was the hardest-hit region due to large-scale outages in Russia, while X, Telegram, and TikTok were the most frequently blocked platforms.
Experts note that, for the first time, the main motive was information security rather than elections or protests. “Soft” censorship methods such as throttling and partial protocol blocks are also on the rise.
2026 began with restrictions in Uganda, where the Communications Commission imposed a full shutdown during elections in January. Iran faced a dramatic situation: protests triggered severe traffic restrictions that escalated into a nationwide blackout, costing the economy up to $60 million per day.
NetBlocks estimated losses exceeding $224 million in just days, with local media reporting up to $800 million. Experts stressed that shutdowns paralyze banking, business, and vital services.
The Eurasian Digital Foundation emphasizes: internet shutdowns do not bring order but deepen crises. Access to the internet must be recognized as a fundamental right.
