For authorities, internet shutdowns have "become the first tool in their toolkit," said Indian online civil liberties activist Mishi Choudhary. Of the 187 internet shutdowns it recorded worldwide last year, 84 were in India, the "most of any country for the fifth consecutive year," it said. Human Rights Watch argues internet shutdowns "disproportionately hurt" the poorest, who depend on the government's online social support systems. "Internet access is vital for realizing economic security," Access Now said. "Your primary defense against misinformation is fact verification and fact checking," said Singh, from the Delhi-based Internet Freedom Foundation.

Source: Manila Times November 24, 2023 16:34 UTC