In today’s world, the internet has become an indispensable part of our lives. However, during riots, violence, or tense situations, the government often abruptly shuts down internet services across an entire area. Recently, following the violence in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, regarding the ‘I Love Muhammad’ controversy, the government imposed a 48-hour internet ban in the city as a precautionary measure. This step is taken to curb rumors and fake news. But the question arises: how is the internet shut down across an entire city with a single order? How does this system work?
Why are internet shutdowns necessary?
The misuse of the internet in India has often been used to incite communal tensions and violence. Fake news, rumors, and inflammatory messages spread rapidly through social media. In such cases, to control the situation and maintain peace, the government temporarily shuts down internet services in the affected area.
How is the internet shut down?
Just as the internet is shut down by turning off a Wi-Fi router at home. For example, imagine your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi router, but if the router is turned off, the Wi-Fi signal will not reach the phone and the internet will not work. Similarly, mobile towers also function to provide internet signals.
Therefore, when the government needs to shut down the internet in any area or city, the mobile towers of that area are shut down. When the government issues an order, telecom companies stop network services from the mobile towers.
The role of ISPs and government orders
Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in India are directly under government orders. The government also issues orders to shut down the internet by directing ISPs in any specific area or state. Upon receiving the order, ISPs cut off the network of that area, and the entire city’s internet goes down in no time.