Cloudflare: Government-backed internet shutdowns plummet to zero in first quarter
Cloudflare has revealed that the number of government-imposed internet shutdowns has significantly decreased in early 2025. While the past years witnessed numerous shutdowns during elections and protests, this year has seen none, marking a notable shift in global trends regarding internet freedom.
Key Points
- No new government internet shutdowns were reported in Q1 2025, according to Cloudflare.
- This marks one of only two quarters in the past three years where such a decline occurred.
- Shutdowns typically happened during national exams, disputed elections, or protests.
- Factors contributing to the decline include the shuttering of USAID and increased compliance of tech platforms with government censorship.
- While government-led shutdowns are down, incidents still occur due to natural disasters and cyberattacks.
Why should I read this?
If you’re interested in how global internet freedom is evolving, this article dives into a positive trend that could signal a shift away from oppressive censorship. With internet access being crucial for communication and democracy, understanding these changes is essential for anyone keen on human rights and technological impacts. Plus, we’ve filtered through the details for you—saving you the hassle of sifting through the noise!