Nuh Violence: Mobile internet suspended; What is internet shutdown and how does it work? Find out
Two people have died, more than 200 people have been injured and multiple vehicles were set on fire in the violence that took place in Nuh, a district in Haryana. The incident occurred after clashes erupted during a religious procession. After the violence spread, the state government had to suspend mobile internet in the district till August 2 in order to stop fake news, misinformation and paranoia among the public.
In an official statement, the Nuh administration stated, “In order to stop the spread of misinformation and rumours through various social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Twitter, etc. on mobile phones and SMS, for facilitation and mobilisation of mobs of agitators and demonstrators who can cause serious loss of life and damage to public and private properties by indulging in arson or vandalism and other types of violent activities, Home Secretary, Haryana do order the suspension of the mobile internet services and all dongle services etc. provided on mobile networks except the voice calls in the territorial jurisdiction of district Nuh of Haryana State”.
But what exactly is internet shutdown and how does it work? Let us take a look.
Internet shutdowns are any disruptions in access to internet services. These actions are taken in order to subdue situations that can turn into riots or to dissipate an already ongoing riot. As the internet, particularly mobile internet has become an accessible form of communication, bad actors use it for unlawful gatherings during riots, which can be stopped by taking away the connection altogether.
Such decisions can be taken by either the Central government or the State government. During such a shutdown, people are unable to access the internet no matter which
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