In 2024, Pakistan incurred the highest financial losses globally due to internet and social media app outages, amounting to USD 1.62 billion. This figure surpassed losses reported by conflict-stricken nations like Sudan and Myanmar, according to a report by Top10VPN.com, an independent VPN reviewer.
The report revealed that intentional internet shutdowns worldwide lasted a total of 88,788 hours, causing a combined financial loss of USD 7.69 billion, as reported by Dawn. These disruptions were attributed to deliberate actions like total blackouts, social media restrictions, and throttling, occurring 167 times across 28 countries.
Simon Migliano, Head of Research at Top10VPN.com, described these outages as “extreme forms of internet censorship” that infringe on digital rights while inflicting severe damage on national economies. He noted a 15.8% reduction in the total financial cost of shutdowns compared to 2023, but the duration of these disruptions increased by 12%.
Pakistan’s Internet Shutdown Landscape
In Pakistan, 18 documented instances of intentional internet shutdowns in 2024 lasted a total of 9,735 hours, impacting 82.9 million users. These disruptions stemmed from factors like elections, “information control,” and protests.
The most financially devastating disruption was the ongoing shutdown of the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), which began on February 18, with losses estimated at USD 1.34 billion. Another costly instance was the internet shutdown in Balochistan, from July 16 to August 21, imposed during protests by the Baloch Yakjehti Committee in Gwadar, costing USD 11.8 million over 864 hours.
Global Impact of Internet Shutdowns
Top10VPN.com reported that Asia was the most affected region in 2024, with Pakistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India among the top six impacted countries.
- Myanmar recorded the second-highest cost of shutdowns at USD 1.58 billion, stemming from disruptions lasting 20,376 hours.
- Sudan followed with losses of USD 1.12 billion over 12,707 hours.
- Other notable losses included Venezuela (USD 1.12 billion), Bangladesh (USD 796.6 million), and India (USD 322.9 million).
Methodology
The report utilized the Cost of Shutdown Tool (COST), developed by NetBlocks, to estimate economic losses. The tool factors in a country’s GDP, the duration of disruption, the percentage of the affected population, and the contribution of specific apps and services to GDP.
Reasons for Shutdowns
Globally, internet shutdowns were implemented for various reasons, including conflicts, censorship, protests, exam cheating prevention, and military coups. These actions highlight the significant socio-economic impact of internet disruptions and their increasing prevalence.