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

• Understanding the Prevalence and Drivers of Internet Blackouts
• Evolving Tactics and Tools Behind Network Shutdowns
• Key Players and Stakeholders in Internet Control
• Projected Incidence and Expansion of Internet Disruptions
• Comparative Insights Across Affected MENA Countries
• Anticipating the Next Wave of Internet Blackouts
• Mitigating Risks and Harnessing Resilience in a Disconnected Era
• Sources & References

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

Understanding the Prevalence and Drivers of Internet Blackouts

Internet blackouts—deliberate government-imposed disruptions of digital connectivity—have become a recurring phenomenon in several countries, notably Syria, Iraq, and Algeria. These “internet kill switches” are often justified by authorities as necessary for national security, public order, or to prevent cheating during national exams. However, their frequency and impact have raised significant concerns about human rights, economic stability, and the free flow of information.

• Syria: Since the onset of the civil war, Syria has experienced repeated nationwide internet shutdowns. The government has used blackouts as a tool to control information during military operations and to suppress dissent. In 2023, Syria saw at least four major internet disruptions, often coinciding with political unrest or security incidents (Access Now).
• Iraq: Iraq is notorious for imposing internet blackouts during periods of protest and, more routinely, during national school exams to prevent cheating. In June 2023, the government ordered multiple daily shutdowns, affecting millions and costing the economy an estimated $40 million per day (Al Jazeera).
• Algeria: Algeria has institutionalized internet blackouts during the baccalaureate exam period since 2016. In 2023, authorities again cut access for several hours each day over a week, impacting businesses and daily life (Reuters).

The drivers behind these blackouts are multifaceted:

• Political Control: Governments use shutdowns to stifle dissent, especially during protests or political crises.
• Security Concerns: Authorities claim blackouts are necessary to prevent the spread of misinformation or to coordinate military operations.
• Exam Integrity: In countries like Iraq and Algeria, blackouts are justified as a means to prevent cheating during national exams.

Looking ahead, the risk of internet blackouts is rising in other regions with fragile political environments or upcoming contentious elections. Countries such as Ethiopia, India, and Myanmar have already demonstrated a willingness to disrupt connectivity, and experts warn that the “kill switch” tactic could spread further as digital activism grows (Top10VPN).

Evolving Tactics and Tools Behind Network Shutdowns

Internet shutdowns, often referred to as “kill switches,” have become a recurring tactic for governments seeking to control information flow and suppress dissent. In recent years, countries such as Syria, Iraq, and Algeria have repeatedly resorted to nationwide or regional blackouts, citing reasons ranging from national security to preventing exam cheating. These shutdowns not only disrupt daily life but also have significant economic and humanitarian consequences.

• Syria: Since the onset of the civil war, Syria has experienced numerous internet blackouts. The government has used shutdowns to hinder opposition coordination and restrict the spread of information during military operations. For example, in November 2023, a nationwide outage was reported, coinciding with intensified military activity (Access Now).
• Iraq: Iraq has implemented internet blackouts during periods of civil unrest and, more routinely, during national school exams to prevent cheating. In June 2023, the government ordered multiple shutdowns, affecting millions and drawing criticism from digital rights groups (Al Jazeera).
• Algeria: Algeria has institutionalized internet shutdowns during the baccalaureate exam period. In 2023, authorities again cut access nationwide for several hours each day over a week, impacting businesses and daily communications (Reuters).

The tools behind these shutdowns range from direct orders to ISPs to sophisticated network filtering and throttling. Governments often justify these actions on grounds of national security or public order, but critics argue they are increasingly used to stifle dissent and control narratives (Human Rights Watch).

Looking ahead, the risk of internet kill switches is spreading. Countries with histories of political unrest or tight information control—such as Ethiopia, India, and Myanmar—remain at high risk for future shutdowns. The proliferation of centralized internet infrastructure in many regions makes such tactics easier to implement, raising concerns about the future of digital rights and access (Top10VPN).

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 2012, Syria experienced a complete internet blackout for two days, which BBC reported was likely orchestrated by the government to hinder opposition coordination.
• Iraq: Iraq has implemented annual internet shutdowns during high school exam periods to prevent cheating. In 2023, the government ordered multiple nationwide blackouts, affecting millions and costing the economy an estimated $40 million per day, according to Al Jazeera.
• Algeria: Similar to Iraq, Algeria has repeatedly cut internet access during the baccalaureate exam season. In June 2023, the government imposed daily blackouts for several hours, impacting businesses and daily life. Reuters highlighted the widespread criticism from civil society and the private sector.

Key Players and Stakeholders:

• Governments: The primary actors, often invoking security or public order as justification.
• Telecommunications Companies: Both state-owned and private ISPs are compelled to comply with government orders, sometimes under threat of license revocation.
• Civil Society and Human Rights Organizations: Groups like Access Now and Human Rights Watch document and protest shutdowns, highlighting their impact on rights and economies.
• Businesses and Citizens: Both suffer economic losses and restricted access to information and services during blackouts.

With digital authoritarianism on the rise, experts warn that more countries may adopt internet kill switches, especially during elections, protests, or crises. According to Top10VPN, 2023 saw over 60 countries implement some form of internet restriction, suggesting the trend is likely to continue and expand.

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, curbing misinformation, or preventing cheating during national exams. However, the frequency and scale of these disruptions are increasing, raising concerns about their impact on civil liberties, economic activity, and regional stability.

• 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 unrest (Access Now). These disruptions not only hinder communication but also impede humanitarian efforts and economic transactions.
• Iraq: Iraq has seen repeated internet shutdowns, particularly during periods of protest or political tension. In 2023, the government imposed several blackouts to prevent exam cheating and to quell anti-government demonstrations (Al Jazeera). These actions have drawn criticism from digital rights groups and have cost the economy millions in lost productivity.
• Algeria: Algeria has institutionalized internet blackouts during the annual baccalaureate exams, with nationwide shutdowns occurring every June since 2016. In 2023, the government again cut access for several hours each day over a week-long period (Reuters). This practice, while intended to prevent cheating, disrupts businesses and daily life.

According to the Top10VPN report, the global cost of internet shutdowns reached $24.1 billion in 2022, with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region accounting for a significant share. The trend is projected to continue, with more countries in the region—such as Sudan, Iran, and Egypt—at risk of implementing similar measures amid political instability or social unrest (Access Now #KeepItOn Report).

As digital connectivity becomes increasingly vital, the expansion of internet disruptions poses a growing threat to economic development, freedom of expression, and access to information. Monitoring these trends is crucial for anticipating which countries may be next to deploy the internet kill switch, especially in regions with fragile political environments.

Comparative Insights Across Affected MENA Countries

The use of internet kill switches—government-mandated internet shutdowns—has become a recurring phenomenon in several MENA countries, notably Syria, Iraq, and Algeria. These blackouts are often justified by authorities as necessary for national security, preventing exam cheating, or quelling unrest, but they have significant social, economic, and political repercussions.

• Syria: Internet blackouts in Syria have been frequent since the onset of the civil war in 2011. The government has used shutdowns to control information flow during military operations and protests. In 2023, Syria experienced multiple regional and national outages, often coinciding with sensitive political events or security operations (Access Now). These disruptions have hampered humanitarian efforts and economic activity, further isolating the population.
• Iraq: Iraq is notorious for imposing internet blackouts during national exams to prevent cheating. In 2023, the government ordered several multi-hour shutdowns across the country during the baccalaureate exams, affecting millions of users and businesses (Al Jazeera). While authorities claim these measures are temporary, the economic cost is substantial, with estimates suggesting losses of up to $40 million per day during outages (Brookings).
• Algeria: Algeria has institutionalized internet shutdowns during the annual baccalaureate exams since 2016. In June 2023, the government again cut internet access nationwide for several hours each day over a week-long exam period (Reuters). These blackouts disrupt not only students but also businesses and public services, drawing criticism from digital rights groups.

Looking ahead, other MENA countries may follow suit. Sudan, for example, has seen periodic shutdowns during protests and political crises (Human Rights Watch). Egypt and Iran have also demonstrated a willingness to restrict internet access during unrest. As digital connectivity becomes more integral to daily life, the trend of internet kill switches in the region is likely to persist, raising urgent questions about human rights, economic stability, and the future of digital governance.

Anticipating the Next Wave of Internet 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 as measures to prevent cheating during national exams, curb unrest, or maintain security. However, they have far-reaching consequences for economies, civil liberties, and the global digital landscape.

Syria has experienced annual internet blackouts since 2016, coinciding with high school exams. In 2023, the country implemented multiple nationwide shutdowns, each lasting several hours, to prevent exam leaks (Access Now). These blackouts disrupt not only students but also businesses and emergency services, compounding the challenges faced by a nation already grappling with conflict and instability.

Iraq follows a similar pattern. In June 2023, the government ordered three days of internet shutdowns during the baccalaureate exams, affecting millions of users and costing the economy an estimated $40 million per day (Al Jazeera). Despite public outcry and international criticism, authorities continue to prioritize exam integrity over digital access.

Algeria has institutionalized internet blackouts during the annual Baccalaureate exams since 2016. In 2023, authorities again cut mobile and fixed-line internet nationwide for several hours each day over a week-long exam period (Reuters). The government claims these measures are necessary to prevent widespread cheating, but critics argue they are disproportionate and harm the broader population.

These recurring blackouts highlight a troubling trend: the normalization of internet shutdowns as a policy tool. According to Top10VPN, global internet shutdowns cost the world economy $23.79 billion in 2022, with the Middle East and North Africa region accounting for a significant share.

Looking ahead, countries with histories of digital censorship or political unrest—such as Ethiopia, India, and Sudan—are at risk of adopting similar tactics. The proliferation of kill switches raises urgent questions about digital rights, economic resilience, and the future of open internet access worldwide.

Mitigating Risks and Harnessing Resilience in a Disconnected Era

Internet blackouts—whether government-imposed or due to conflict—have become a recurring phenomenon in several countries, notably Syria, Iraq, and Algeria. These shutdowns, often referred to as the “internet kill switch,” are typically justified by authorities as necessary for national security, curbing misinformation, or preventing exam cheating. However, they carry significant risks for economic stability, civil liberties, and social resilience.

• Syria: Since the onset of the civil war, Syria has experienced frequent and prolonged internet outages. In 2023, the country faced multiple blackouts, often coinciding with military operations or political unrest. These disruptions not only hinder humanitarian efforts but also stifle economic activity and restrict access to vital information (Access Now).
• Iraq: Iraq has a history of imposing nationwide internet shutdowns, particularly during periods of protest or national exams. In June 2023, authorities cut internet access for several hours daily over a two-week period to prevent cheating during high school exams, affecting millions of users and costing the economy an estimated $40 million (Al Jazeera).
• Algeria: Algeria has institutionalized internet blackouts during the baccalaureate exam season. In 2023, authorities again implemented nationwide shutdowns, impacting businesses and daily life. The recurring nature of these outages has raised concerns about the normalization of digital censorship (Reuters).

The economic and social costs of these blackouts are substantial. According to the Top10VPN 2023 report, global internet shutdowns cost the world economy $23.79 billion, with the Middle East and North Africa accounting for a significant share. Beyond financial losses, shutdowns disrupt emergency services, impede education, and erode trust in institutions.

As digital dependence grows, more countries may resort to the internet kill switch during crises. Nations with centralized internet infrastructure or limited service providers—such as Ethiopia, Myanmar, and Iran—are particularly vulnerable (Brookings). To mitigate risks and build resilience, stakeholders must invest in decentralized networks, promote digital rights advocacy, and develop contingency plans for maintaining critical communications during outages.

Sources & References

• Internet Kill Switch: Recurring Blackouts in Syria, Iraq, Algeria – And Who’s Next?
• Access Now
• Al Jazeera
• Top10VPN
• Human Rights Watch
• BBC
• Brookings

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