SPECIAL COLLECTION OF THE CASE LAW ON FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION which might hinder realizing a free internet where individuals are able to enjoy their fundamental rights. Internet shutdowns come on top of the list of these challenges as a barrier to open, affordable and universal access to the internet. In connection with that, the phenomenon of internet shutdowns has emerged as a serious human rights concern that deepens digital divides between the public with free access to internet and with access limited by its shutdown. Internet shutdowns are seen now as a tactic usually used by governments to suppress dissent. In collaboration with the #KeepItOn coalition, Access Now documented, in an annual report on the status of internet shutdowns, that the year 2021 witnessed 182 internet shutdowns, if not more, in 34 countries around the world. In 2022, the report suggests that around 187 premeditated internet shutdowns took place across 35 countries. While growing in scale, these disruptions carry ever-more adverse impacts, which is why internet shutdowns are argued to be a violation of human rights for impeding the free flow of information. Michelle Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has put it simply: “[s] witching off the Internet causes incalculable damage, both in material and human rights terms.” Nevertheless, the impact of internet shutdowns does not stop there as they also bear substantial social and economic costs. A recent report by the World Economic Forum’s Centre for Cybersecurity highlighted that internet shutdowns have serious societal ramifications: they cause significant disruption to livelihood, education, jobs, and health. For example, in Bangladesh, Myanmar and India, studies have shown that internet shutdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic severely obstructed distance learning. Human Rights Watch has also stressed that internet shutdowns during alleged public emergencies cost lives. Moreover, the adverse impact of internet shutdowns on economic growth is categorical. Shutdowns hamper local businesses, financial institutions, and digital commerce. Several studies, including a study conducted by the World Bank, have estimated the economic cost of internet shutdowns between 2019 and 2021 to amount nearly to $20.5 billion, with Myanmar’s economy sustaining a loss of roughly $2.8 billion in 2021. Another report has shown that in 2022 only, internet shutdowns have cost the world economy almost $24 billion, marking a 323% increase from 2021. Shutting down the Internet (either partially or entirely) “appears to be used by governments when they want to act quickly, particularly to quell perceived or potential civil unrest, and might have limited capacity for other mechanisms of online control”.5 While resisting proper inquiries into whether their shutdown orders meet legal standards for restrictions on speech and information, authorities commonly justify shutdowns based on a broad range of claims, from maintaining public safety and national security to combatting hostility or disinformation.6 These shutdowns also extend to periods of examinations, public demonstrations, political tensions, elections, and active conflict zones.7 However, reports have shown that internet shutdowns “often achieve the exact opposite, furthering fear and confusion, and stoking risks of division and conflict”.8 5 Giovanni De Gregorio and Nicole Stremlau, Internet Shutdowns and the Limits of Law / International Journal of Communication 14(2020), p 4225. 6 Spencer Feingold, What happens when the internet shuts down?, World Economic Forum’s Centre for Cybersecurity, Oct 20, 2022, https:// www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/10/internet-shutdowns-explainer/ 7 Access Now, The Return of Digital Authoritarianism: Internet shutdowns in 2021, April 2022, https://www.accessnow.org/cms/assets/uploads/2022/05/2021-KIO-Report-May-24-2022.pdf 8 Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Press release, Internet shutdowns: UN report details ‘dramatic’ impact on people’s lives and human rights, 23 June 2022, https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2022/06/internet-shutdowns-un-report-details-dra- 8