Global Internet Blackouts Surge, Signaling Government Control and Rising Instability
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As governments increasingly resort to cutting off internet access, a London-based monitoring platform is providing critical insight into the growing trend of digital shutdowns and their devastating consequences.
The internet connectivity monitoring platform NetBlocks, founded in 2017, has evolved from a tool to track outages experienced by travelers to a key observer of state-sponsored blackouts. Founder Alp Toker believes these disruptions are not merely technical failures, but deliberate acts revealing a “total loss of control” and an inability to serve citizens. “The implementation of telecommunications cuts shows a total loss of control over normality and an inability to serve and support the population itself. It is an extreme measure that shows that a government has really lost control,” Toker explained.
Tracking Disconnections in Real Time
NetBlocks operates as an independent, non-partisan organization, utilizing a unique methodology to monitor network traffic worldwide. The platform scans a sample of internet addresses, identifying connectivity patterns and pinpointing regions, cities, and towns affected by outages. This capability extends beyond political unrest, proving invaluable during natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and storms, providing crucial situational awareness during emergencies.
With over 278,400 followers on X (formerly Twitter), NetBlocks has become a leading reference point for tracking censorship and connectivity disruptions globally. Despite its prominence, the organization maintains it has not faced undue pressure. “Our approach has always been to be guided by data and offer a clear view of what is happening on the ground, although, of course, we condemn governments that cut off access to the internet,” said Toker, a graduate of the University of Edinburgh with degrees in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence.
From Censorship to Conflict: A Shifting Focus
Initially focused on censorship within authoritarian regimes, NetBlocks broadened its scope following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The team recognized the need to monitor situations impacting the general public, extending beyond typical targets of repression. This shift has enabled real-time tracking of incidents as they unfold, with centralized connectivity allowing for near-instantaneous disconnections. However, Toker notes that even in decentralized systems, operators face significant risks – including license revocation – for defying government orders.
Iran and Ukraine: Recent Cases of Concern
Iran has been a recent focal point for NetBlocks, with a complete internet blackout decreed by the regime beginning on the night of January 8, 2026, amidst ongoing protests. As of January 14, 2026, the country has experienced over 132 hours without connection, with connectivity dropping to just 1% of normal levels within the first twelve hours. Ukraine and Uganda are also currently under observation, highlighting the geographically diverse nature of these disruptions.
A Growing Global Trend
Data compiled by Internet Society Pulse indicates a concerning upward trend in internet outages. There have been 97 outages recorded since January 2025, with 12 currently ongoing. In 2024, the platform documented 133 outages, an increase from 124 in the previous year. However, NGOs like Access Now report even higher figures, estimating 296 outages in 54 countries in 2024, compared to 283 in 39 nations in 2023. .
The impact of these blackouts, according to Toker, is profound. “It is very difficult to imagine the level of fear and uncertainty they can generate, because people find it difficult to communicate with friends and loved ones. In these cases they fear the worst, which can increase tensions and potentially the cuts can increase violence and reduce the possibilities of dialogue.” These disruptions underscore the critical role of internet access in maintaining stability and facilitating communication during times of crisis.
