A report from Top10VPN.com reveals that Pakistan has incurred the highest financial losses from internet shutdowns, amounting to $1.62 billion in 2024. This far exceeds the losses recorded in other countries facing significant turmoil. The report notes a global total of 88,788 hours of internet disruption causing $7.69 billion in losses across 28 countries, emphasizing the adverse economic impacts of deliberate internet outages.
In a recent report from Top10VPN.com, Pakistan has emerged as the country suffering the most financial losses due to internet and social media app shutdowns in 2024, amassing a staggering total of $1.62 billion. This economic impact eclipsed that of other nations significantly affected by civil unrest, such as Sudan and Myanmar. The report indicated that global internet disruptions in 2024 totaled 88,788 hours, resulting in a cumulative financial loss of $7.69 billion across 28 countries due to deliberate shutdowns by authorities.
Of the 167 recorded instances of internet disruptions worldwide, Pakistan experienced 18 deliberate shutdowns primarily for reasons related to elections, information control, and protests. These shutdowns, lasting a cumulative 9,735 hours, impacted approximately 82.9 million users. Notably, the longest and costliest of these was the ongoing shutdown of the social media platform X, which alone accounted for an estimated loss of $1.34 billion.
Other significant shutdown events involved the authorities in Balochistan, which led to a 864-hour disruption costing approximately $11.8 million in response to protests. The data collected for this report can be supported through the use of the Cost of Shutdown Tool (COST), created by NetBlocks, which estimates the economic repercussions of internet shutdowns based on methodologies from reputable institutions like the Brookings Institution.
On a global scale, the report highlighted various reasons behind internet shutdowns, including conflict, censorship, and academic integrity concerns, with Asia exhibiting the highest incidence of such restrictions. The countries affected most significantly included Myanmar, Sudan, and Bangladesh, further indicating the widespread administrative challenges in maintaining digital rights and economic stability in these regions.
Overall, the economic toll from internet shutdowns can be viewed as a potent reminder of the vital role digital connectivity plays in contemporary economies and how its denial can severely stifle growth and access.
The phenomenon of internet shutdowns is increasingly prevalent in various regions globally, often executed by governments for reasons extending from civil unrest to information control. These deliberate outages have great economic repercussions, negatively affecting businesses, communication, and civil rights. Independent studies like the one conducted by Top10VPN.com illustrate the scale and impact of these actions on both a national and global scale, stressing the importance of internet access as a fundamental driver of economic development.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s position as the country with the highest economic loss from internet disruptions highlights significant concerns regarding digital rights and the necessity for states to safeguard uninterrupted access to the internet. As economic losses from such outages continue to mount, it becomes increasingly critical for governments to balance security measures with the preservation of citizens’ access to digital resources, prioritizing both innovation and human rights.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
