Shutting It Down: Investigating the Implementation of Internet Shutdowns

Abstract

The principles of democracy are crumbling under the rise of digital authoritarianism, as the internet is becoming more censored. Internet shutdowns during elections and protests threaten democratic principles, human rights, and effective governance. This study examines the political and socioeconomic factors that influence a government’s decision to implement an internet shutdown, using multivariate logistic regression models to analyse the relationship between regime type, economic development, internet penetration, and other key variables. Findings indicate that lower levels of democracy and economic development significantly increase the likelihood of shutdowns, as governments seek to control political discourse and suppress dissent. Internet penetration is a strong predictor of shutdowns during protests, while its influence on shutdowns during elections is less pronounced. These findings contribute to the growing body of research on digital authoritarianism, highlighting the role of internet shutdowns as a mechanism of political control. This study underscores the importance of safeguarding digital rights, strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting economic development to mitigate the risks of internet shutdowns.