Unplugged Nations: The Rising Threat of Internet Blackouts in Syria, Iraq, Algeria, and Beyond

• Understanding the Internet Blackout Landscape
• Emerging Tactics and Tools Behind Network Shutdowns
• Key Players and Stakeholders in Internet Control
• Projected Incidence and Expansion of Internet Disruptions
• Spotlight on MENA: Patterns and Drivers of Connectivity Blackouts
• Anticipating the Next Wave of Internet Restrictions
• Navigating Risks and Building Resilience Against Digital Blackouts
• Sources & References

“In parts of the world, authorities are literally switching off the internet on a routine basis.” (source)

Understanding the Internet Blackout Landscape

The phenomenon of government-mandated internet blackouts, often referred to as the “internet kill switch,” has become a recurring tool for state control in several countries, notably Syria, Iraq, and Algeria. These blackouts are typically justified by authorities as necessary for national security, public order, or to prevent cheating during national exams. However, they have significant implications for civil liberties, economic activity, and access to information.

• Syria: Since the onset of the civil war, Syria has experienced frequent and prolonged internet shutdowns. The government has used blackouts to suppress dissent and control the flow of information during periods of unrest. In 2023, Syria implemented multiple nationwide outages, particularly during sensitive political events (Access Now).
• Iraq: Iraq has institutionalized internet blackouts, especially during the annual high school exam period. In June 2023, the government ordered daily internet shutdowns for several hours over two weeks, affecting millions of users and disrupting businesses (Al Jazeera). These measures have drawn criticism from digital rights groups and the private sector.
• Algeria: Similar to Iraq, Algeria has repeatedly cut internet access during national exams. In June 2023, authorities imposed nationwide blackouts for several days, impacting not only students but also the broader economy and public services (Reuters).

These recurring blackouts have far-reaching consequences. According to the Cost of Internet Shutdowns 2023 report, such disruptions cost the global economy over $23.7 billion in 2022, with Syria, Iraq, and Algeria among the top contributors. The blackouts also hinder humanitarian operations, restrict freedom of expression, and erode trust in digital infrastructure.

Looking ahead, other countries in the region and beyond may follow suit. Nations with histories of political unrest or exam-related shutdowns—such as Sudan, Ethiopia, and India—are at risk of adopting similar tactics. The trend underscores the urgent need for international advocacy and policy interventions to protect open and reliable internet access worldwide.

Emerging Tactics and Tools Behind Network Shutdowns

Internet kill switches—government-mandated, nationwide shutdowns of digital connectivity—have become a recurring tactic in countries facing political unrest, security concerns, or even standardized exams. In 2023 and early 2024, Syria, Iraq, and Algeria have stood out for their repeated use of this blunt instrument, raising concerns about human rights, economic impact, and the evolving toolkit of digital repression.

• Syria: The Syrian government has a long history of internet blackouts, often coinciding with military operations or political anniversaries. In 2023, Access Now documented multiple nationwide shutdowns during high school exams, a practice justified by authorities as a measure to prevent cheating. These outages, sometimes lasting several hours, disrupt not only students but also businesses and humanitarian operations.
• Iraq: Iraq has institutionalized internet shutdowns during exam periods, with the Ministry of Communications ordering blackouts across the country. In June 2023, Al Jazeera reported that the government cut internet access for several hours on multiple days, affecting millions. The economic cost is significant: Top10VPN estimated Iraq lost over $40 million due to shutdowns in 2023 alone.
• Algeria: Algeria has also normalized internet blackouts during the baccalaureate exam season. In June 2023, Reuters reported that authorities implemented daily shutdowns, affecting both mobile and fixed-line services. These measures, while aimed at curbing exam leaks, have drawn criticism from digital rights groups for their broad collateral damage.

The tools behind these shutdowns range from centralized control of state-run ISPs to legal mandates compelling private providers to comply. Deep packet inspection (DPI) and traffic filtering technologies are increasingly deployed to block specific services or throttle connectivity, as detailed by Oxford Martin School.

Who’s next? The trend is spreading. In 2024, countries like Ethiopia, India, and Pakistan have also resorted to internet shutdowns during protests or exams (Access Now #KeepItOn Report). As digital infrastructure becomes more centralized and governments acquire more sophisticated censorship tools, the risk of recurring blackouts is rising—threatening connectivity, economic stability, and fundamental rights across the globe.

Key Players and Stakeholders in Internet Control

The use of the so-called “Internet kill switch”—the deliberate shutdown or throttling of internet access by governments—has become a recurring phenomenon in several countries, notably Syria, Iraq, and Algeria. These blackouts are often justified by authorities as necessary for national security, public order, or to prevent cheating during national exams. However, they raise significant concerns about freedom of expression, economic disruption, and human rights.

• Syria: Since the onset of the civil war, Syria has experienced repeated nationwide internet blackouts. The government has used these shutdowns to control information flow during military operations and periods of unrest. For example, in November 2023, Syria experienced a major outage that lasted several hours, impacting millions of users (Access Now).
• Iraq: Internet blackouts in Iraq are frequently timed with national high school exams to prevent cheating. In 2023, the government ordered multiple shutdowns, each lasting several hours, affecting not only students but also businesses and emergency services (Al Jazeera).
• Algeria: Similar to Iraq, Algeria has implemented annual internet shutdowns during the baccalaureate exam period. In June 2023, authorities cut access for several hours each day over a week, impacting millions and drawing criticism from digital rights groups (Reuters).

Key Players and Stakeholders:

• Governments and Regulatory Authorities: These bodies order and enforce shutdowns, often citing security or public order.
• Telecommunications Companies: Both state-owned and private ISPs are compelled to comply with government directives, sometimes under threat of license revocation.
• Civil Society and Digital Rights Groups: Organizations like Access Now and Internet Freedom Foundation monitor, document, and campaign against shutdowns.
• International Bodies: The United Nations and Human Rights Watch have condemned internet shutdowns as violations of fundamental rights.

With the proliferation of digital infrastructure and increasing political unrest in various regions, experts warn that more countries could resort to internet blackouts. Nations with centralized internet infrastructure or limited ISP competition are particularly vulnerable, making the “kill switch” a potent tool for state control (Brookings Institution).

Projected Incidence and Expansion of Internet Disruptions

The use of the so-called “internet kill switch”—the deliberate shutdown or throttling of internet access by governments—has become a recurring phenomenon in several countries, notably Syria, Iraq, and Algeria. These blackouts are often justified by authorities as necessary for national security, to prevent cheating during exams, or to quell civil unrest. However, the frequency and scale of these disruptions are increasing, raising concerns about their impact on economies, civil liberties, and the free flow of information.

• Syria: Internet blackouts have been a persistent tool for the Syrian government since the onset of the civil war in 2011. In 2023, Syria experienced multiple nationwide outages, often coinciding with military operations or political events (Access Now). These disruptions not only hinder communication but also impede humanitarian efforts and economic activity.
• Iraq: Iraq has seen repeated internet shutdowns, particularly during periods of protest or political instability. In 2023, authorities imposed several blackouts to prevent exam cheating and to control information during demonstrations (Al Jazeera). The economic cost of these shutdowns is significant, with estimates suggesting losses of up to $40 million per day during nationwide outages (Top10VPN).
• Algeria: Algeria has institutionalized internet blackouts during the annual baccalaureate exams, with nationwide shutdowns occurring for several hours each day over a week-long period. In 2023, this practice continued, affecting millions of users and drawing criticism from digital rights groups (Human Rights Watch).

Looking ahead, the trend of internet disruptions is projected to expand. According to the #KeepItOn 2023 report, the number of government-imposed shutdowns worldwide reached a record high, with 187 incidents in 35 countries. Experts warn that as digital activism and online mobilization grow, more governments may resort to internet kill switches, especially in regions with upcoming elections or political unrest. Countries with fragile political environments or histories of information control—such as Ethiopia, India, and Myanmar—are considered at high risk for future blackouts.

The increasing normalization of internet shutdowns in Syria, Iraq, and Algeria sets a concerning precedent, signaling that more nations may adopt similar tactics in the face of perceived threats, with profound implications for digital rights and economic stability.

Spotlight on MENA: Patterns and Drivers of Connectivity Blackouts

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has witnessed a troubling pattern of recurring internet blackouts, often triggered by political unrest, security concerns, or attempts to control information flow. Countries such as Syria, Iraq, and Algeria have become emblematic of this trend, deploying so-called “internet kill switches” to disrupt connectivity on a national or regional scale.

• Syria: Since the onset of the civil war in 2011, Syria has experienced frequent and prolonged internet shutdowns. These blackouts are typically state-imposed during military operations or periods of heightened protest activity. For example, in May 2023, the Syrian government cut internet access in several regions during high school exams, a practice repeated annually to prevent cheating (Access Now).
• Iraq: Iraq has a well-documented history of internet disruptions, particularly during times of civil unrest. In October 2019, the government imposed a near-total internet blackout amid mass protests, aiming to stifle the organization of demonstrations and the spread of protest footage. More recently, in 2023, authorities again restricted access during exam periods and in response to security incidents (Human Rights Watch).
• Algeria: Algeria has institutionalized internet shutdowns during the baccalaureate exam season, with nationwide blackouts occurring annually since 2016. In June 2023, the government again cut mobile and fixed-line internet for several hours each day over a week, affecting millions of users and disrupting businesses (Reuters).

These recurring blackouts are driven by a combination of factors: efforts to prevent exam cheating, suppress dissent, and maintain regime stability. The technical feasibility of such shutdowns is enabled by centralized internet infrastructure and state control over major telecommunications providers.

Looking ahead, other MENA countries with similar governance models and centralized telecom sectors—such as Egypt, Sudan, and Iran—remain at high risk for future blackouts. In fact, Sudan experienced a near-total internet shutdown during the 2023 conflict between rival military factions (BBC). As digital connectivity becomes ever more critical, the threat of politically motivated internet disruptions in the region is likely to persist, raising urgent concerns for human rights, economic stability, and information access.

Anticipating the Next Wave of Internet Restrictions

Internet blackouts—often referred to as “kill switches”—have become a recurring tool for governments seeking to control information, suppress dissent, or manage national crises. In 2024, countries such as Syria, Iraq, and Algeria have continued to implement nationwide or regional internet shutdowns, raising concerns about the normalization of this practice and its potential spread to other regions.

• Syria: The Syrian government has a long history of internet disruptions, particularly during periods of political unrest or military operations. In 2023 and early 2024, Access Now documented multiple blackouts, often coinciding with security operations or exam periods to prevent cheating. These shutdowns not only stifle dissent but also disrupt daily life and economic activity.
• Iraq: Iraq has repeatedly imposed internet blackouts, especially during national exams and protests. In June 2023, the government ordered several hours of daily internet shutdowns to prevent exam cheating, affecting millions of users (Al Jazeera). Similar measures were observed in 2024, with authorities citing security and academic integrity as justifications.
• Algeria: Algeria has institutionalized internet blackouts during the baccalaureate exam period since 2016. In June 2023, the government again cut access nationwide for several hours each day over a week (Reuters). This approach, while aimed at curbing cheating, has drawn criticism for its broad economic and social impact.

These recurring blackouts have set a precedent in the region, and digital rights groups warn that other countries may follow suit. According to Top10VPN, 2023 saw a record 283 internet shutdowns in 39 countries, with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region accounting for a significant share. The normalization of internet kill switches in Syria, Iraq, and Algeria could embolden neighboring states facing political instability or social unrest to adopt similar tactics.

Looking ahead, countries with upcoming elections, ongoing protests, or security concerns—such as Iran, Sudan, and Ethiopia—are at heightened risk of implementing internet blackouts. The trend underscores the urgent need for international advocacy and policy interventions to protect digital rights and ensure uninterrupted access to information.

Navigating Risks and Building Resilience Against Digital Blackouts

Internet blackouts—often triggered by government-mandated “kill switches”—have become a recurring phenomenon in several countries, notably Syria, Iraq, and Algeria. These shutdowns are typically justified by authorities as necessary for national security, curbing misinformation, or preventing cheating during national exams. However, the consequences for civil society, economic activity, and digital rights are profound and far-reaching.

• Syria: Since the onset of the civil war, Syria has experienced frequent and prolonged internet shutdowns. The government has used blackouts as a tool to control information flow and suppress dissent. In 2023, Access Now reported multiple instances of nationwide outages, often coinciding with military operations or political unrest.
• Iraq: Iraq is notorious for imposing internet blackouts during periods of protest or political instability. In 2022 and 2023, the government repeatedly cut access to social media and the broader internet to quell anti-government demonstrations and prevent the spread of protest footage (Human Rights Watch). These actions have disrupted businesses, education, and emergency services.
• Algeria: Algeria has institutionalized internet shutdowns during the annual baccalaureate exams to prevent cheating. In June 2023, the country implemented daily blackouts for several hours, affecting millions of users and causing significant economic losses (Al Jazeera).

These recurring blackouts highlight a troubling trend: the normalization of digital repression as a governance tool. According to the Cost of Internet Shutdowns 2023 report, global internet shutdowns cost the world economy over $23.7 billion in 2022, with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region accounting for a significant share.

Looking ahead, countries with histories of political unrest or centralized control over telecommunications infrastructure—such as Iran, Ethiopia, and Myanmar—are at heightened risk of future blackouts. The proliferation of “kill switch” capabilities, often enabled by state-owned telecom monopolies, raises urgent questions about digital rights and the resilience of civil society in the face of state-imposed connectivity disruptions.

Building resilience requires a multi-pronged approach: advocating for legal safeguards, investing in decentralized internet infrastructure, and supporting digital literacy and circumvention tools. As the threat of internet blackouts grows, so too does the imperative for coordinated global action to defend open and reliable access to the digital world.

Sources & References

• Internet Kill Switch: Recurring Blackouts in Syria, Iraq, Algeria – And Who’s Next?
• Access Now
• Al Jazeera
• Cost of Internet Shutdowns 2023 report
• United Nations
• Human Rights Watch
• Brookings Institution
• BBC

https://youtube.com/watch?v=h3ENcPsorQk