Global economic cost of internet shutdowns estimated at $20 billion in 2025
What happened
A report highlighted that network shutdowns are reaching record levels, imposing severe social, economic, and security costs. In 2025, Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition recorded 313 deliberate internet shutdowns across 52 countries, the worst year on record. The global economic cost of these shutdowns in 2025 is estimated at nearly USD 20 billion.
From webwire.com
Why it matters
Shutdowns cut entire communities off from financial systems, emergency services, education platforms, and domestic communications. These losses are disproportionately concentrated in low- and middle-income countries. In response, Vodafone has proposed a new Transparent Governance Framework to ensure connectivity restrictions are lawful and proportionate.
From webwire.com
Who's involved
- VodafoneA British multinational telecommunications company calling for stronger safeguards against shutdowns.
- Access NowA non-profit organization that recorded the 2025 shutdown statistics and monitors digital rights issues.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- VodafoneSpeculative
Vodafone might face increased costs or regulatory pressure related to connectivity reliability due to the report's findings.
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The entities involved
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Vodafone
British multinational telecommunications company
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Access Now
non-profit organization
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