Access Now Report Tracks Prolonged Internet Shutdowns
New research highlights the long-term impact of connectivity blackouts in conflict zones.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Telecommunications
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Access Now published findings on October 20, 2026, documenting the devastating effects of multi-year internet shutdowns in global conflict regions. The report utilizes testimonies collected between 2024 and 2026 to track how these restrictions hinder communication and livelihoods.
Why it matters
Prolonged shutdowns often persist despite official claims of restoration, as damaged infrastructure and government controls maintain barriers to connectivity. Understanding these disruptions is essential to addressing the systemic loss of information access in unstable areas.
The report highlights that internet shutdowns in Tigray persisted for more than two years. These documented restrictions frequently involve both active state-mandated blackouts and physical damage to telecommunications hardware.
The players
Access Now
This international advocacy group focuses on defending and extending the digital civil rights of users at risk around the world.
#KeepItOn
This global coalition of organizations works together to document, track, and fight against internet shutdowns worldwide.
The details
The organization gathered accounts through its Shutdown Impact Stories project and the #KeepItOn coalition to populate a new tracking dashboard. Documented locations include Myanmar, Ethiopia, Sudan, Gaza, and Annobón island, where residents face severe difficulties accessing vital information.
Timeline
Testimonies were collected between 2024 and 2026.
The research report was published on October 20, 2026.
The Tech Race
This research builds upon the monitoring efforts of the #KeepItOn coalition shutdown database. It represents a significant shift from simple outage tracking toward analyzing the long-term consequences of digital exclusion in conflict-affected regions.
The report underscores the extreme vulnerability of digital communications during political unrest, affecting how residents in affected zones secure daily essentials and information. For global observers, these findings highlight the necessity of robust, decentralized backup communication tools in unstable environments.
The takeaway
Access Now emphasizes that official announcements regarding the end of shutdowns are not always indicators of restored, reliable connectivity. Maintaining awareness of these digital gaps is crucial for those working to preserve access to information during periods of crisis.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Telecommunications and global connectivity trends.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CircleID.
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Should governments be strictly required to maintain internet access during civil conflict?
