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UNCOVERED: Access now | History Defined

2025 was the worst year on record for internet shutdowns as censors move to more targeted blocks

Access Now's latest report on internet shutdowns reveals that 2025 was the worst year on record for digital freedom. With VPNs and satellite internet increasingly under fire, we recap the year’s biggest threats and look at what’s next for global connectivity.

TechRadar

Iran’s internet shutdown proves we need to go beyond Starlink and VPNs — this tech could be the solution

Direct-to-Cell (D2C) has the technical power to be the solution to today's internet shutdowns. Digital rights groups, Access Now and WITNESS, are now calling on software developers and lawmakers to ensure this happens.

TechRadar

VPN interest spikes in Uganda as the internet gets disrupted ahead of the general elections

Despite the blocked access to the public internet, people in Uganda seem to be using VPNs to stay connected. Proton VPN confirmed a 8,000% increase in signups on Tuesday, and usage keeps rising.

TechRadar

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Russia's mobile internet shutdowns due to Ukrainian drones may limit already-stifled net freedom

Russian and Ukrainian drones use cellphone internet networks to operate, so shutdowns are one way authorities try to counter the attacks.

Euronews

Shutdowns of cellphone internet links sweep Russia, further limiting already-stifled net freedom

In the last two months, dozens of Russian regions have been hit by cellphone connectivity outages

The Independent UK

"Unnecessary and disproportionate" – Experts slam 2-month VPN ban enforced in India

Doda's authorities enforced the ban over national security concerns, but experts warn against unintended consequences.

TechRadar

Gabon elections – "We urge authorities to ensure unrestricted access to the internet"

While internet access in Gabon has been stable ever since, the 2023 elections were plagued by restrictions and shutdowns. This is why digital rights advocates are urging the government to continue this trend on Saturday.

TechRadar

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Internet shutdowns at record high in Africa as access ‘weaponised’

More governments seeking to keep millions of people offline amid conflicts, protests and political instability

The Guardian - UK

2024 was the worst year on record for internet freedoms – again

Internet shutdowns were implemented by more offenders and across borders last year. Here's what is at stake.

TechRadar

Conflicts trigger globe’s highest rate of internet shutdowns in 2024: NGO

Wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Myanmar among those spurring ‘digital violence’.

Al Jazeera

Belarus elections: how likely is an information blackout?

People are reportedly downloading VPN services ahead of Sunday's elections to be able to navigate potential disruptions. Here's what we know so far.

TechRadar

VPNs are under attack in Myanmar as new security law is introduced

Myanmar becomes the latest country to have its digital rights attacked, as new law aims to restrict VPN usage.

Tom’s Guide

Drug dealers to Putin critics: Behind Pavel Durov’s rare Telegram audience

Arrested in France, the Telegram boss has found widespread support that mirrors his app’s popularity across groups.

Al Jazeera

Russia launching more sophisticated phishing attacks, new report finds

State-sponsored hacking campaigns are evolving in social engineering strategies and technical aspects

The Guardian - US

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TechRadar

As Apple kills more Russia VPN apps, it's time to think about alternatives

TechRadar

How the Myanmar VPN ban is plunging citizens into online darkness

Since late May, the military Junta has been cracking down on VPNs to disrupt the free news flow. Besides online isolation, arrests and fines are also the price to pay.

TechRadar

How Pakistan's 4-month X ban is changing the internet

After over 4 months, social platform X remains blocked in Pakistan. Citizens are forced to use VPN apps to bypass restrictions, but laws are changing.

TechRadar

Grindr is the second-most banned social app—how to unblock it

Three more countries now ban the popular LGBTQ+ app, bringing the toll to 13 nations. Here's how to use a VPN to evade blocks and boost privacy.

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TechRadar

French Tiktok ban makes VPN usage soar in New Caledonia

Proton VPN recorded a 2500% spike in sign-ups since France declared a state of emergency. Here's how a VPN helps you bypass TikTok blocks.

TechRadar

Iran resurrects controversial internet bill putting VPN usage at risk

A bill to reinforce authorities' control over Iran's internet has been resurrected ahead of the new Parliament. Citizens' digital rights are now at stake.

Newslaundry

116 shutdowns in 2023: Sixth year in a row, India leads in global internet shutdowns

The internet was snapped 283 times across 39 countries last year, an increase in 41 percent from 2022. And India holds the dubious honour of documenting the most shutdowns globally – an honour that the country has carried for six years now in a row – with 116 instances.

Al Jazeera

Journalists, activists targeted in Jordan with Israeli-made Pegasus spyware

Report by Access Now says hackers used the malware to break into smartphones of dozens of people in Jordan.

The Guardian - UK

Dozens in Jordan targeted by authorities using NSO spyware, report finds

Findings suggest Jordan is relying on cyberweapon to quash dissent and its use is ‘staggeringly widespread’

Al Jazeera

Blackouts in Gaza must not be used as ‘weapons of war’: Rights group

Gaza is under a weeklong sustained telecoms outage, the longest since the onset of the war with Israel.

The Guardian - UK

Critics of Serbia’s government targeted with ‘military-grade spyware’

Security researchers say two pro-democracy activists were subjected to attempted state-sponsored hacking

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