Government-mandated Internet shutdowns occur far more regularly than you might expect. The number of countries that shut down access for their residents jumped from 25 in 2018 to 33 in 2019. India and Brazil are among the worst offenders in shutting down Internet access. Consumers can tell if their sudden inability to use the Internet is a technical glitch, such as an underwater cable cut, a DDoS attack, or a government order. Some websites can also be checked with Down for Everyone or Just Me, which can help users identify when their service is being disrupted.”]

