Delhi’s digital connectivity collapsed eight times between January and October 2026, making the capital the most affected region in India. The Software Freedom Law Centre (SFLC) released data showing this figure represents a quarter of the 32 total shutdown incidents recorded nationwide. This stands in stark contrast to the 65 incidents logged in 2025, marking the lowest annual total since 2016.
The restrictions split into two distinct waves. Five blackouts struck Central Delhi between July 20 and 25 during the NEET paper leak protests, each lasting between eight and 24 hours. A second, more geographically dispersed wave hit in October following the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation. These October cut-offs extended beyond the city center to include neighborhoods like Bawana, Nangloi, Nizampur, and Daulatpur.
While the national trend points downward, Delhi dominates the current landscape. Manipur follows with seven incidents, while Jammu and Kashmir and Rajasthan recorded four each. Together, Delhi and Manipur account for nearly half of all shutdowns in the country. The Supreme Court recently ordered that "Internet facilities should function unhindered," yet the October protests demonstrated that local authorities still view connectivity as a lever for crowd control.
Globally, India remains the second-most affected nation, trailing only Myanmar. In 2025, India recorded 65 incidents compared to Myanmar’s 95, Pakistan’s 20, and Russia’s 19, according to Access Now data. The persistence of Delhi’s shutdowns suggests a specific local strategy for managing civil unrest that diverges from the broader national decline in digital censorship.
The next test for these protocols will come as political tensions simmer ahead of upcoming local elections. SFLC analysts expect scrutiny to intensify if similar protests trigger further connectivity cuts, challenging the Supreme Court’s directive for uninterrupted internet access.