Archive · 27 Oct 2025
Digital Divide Widens: Global Internet Access Restrictions
The internet is becoming less open because countries are starting to control what people can see and say online.
Some countries like India and Russia are banning or limiting access to apps and websites from other countries.
This means people can't always use their favorite apps when they travel, and it makes it harder for people to communicate freely.
Russia is also forcing people to use a government-controlled messaging app.
These changes are happening because governments want to protect their countries, control information, and be less dependent on foreign technology.
This creates difficulties for people trying to stay connected and can impact freedom of speech.
Several countries are imposing restrictions on internet access and banning platforms.
India banned TikTok and WeChat in 2020, citing national security and data privacy.
Russia has blocked Facebook and Instagram and launched a state-controlled messaging app.
A new Indian IT Act amendment requires quick removal of unlawful content from the internet.
The US has imposed and lifted a ban on TikTok.
- Who
- Governments worldwide, internet users, and tech companies.
- What
- Restrictions, bans, and limitations on internet access and digital platforms.
- When
- Ongoing, with major developments in recent years, including 2020 onward.
- Where
- Worldwide, with significant restrictions in Russia, India, China, and the US.
- Why
- Driven by concerns over national security, data privacy, sovereignty, and control over online content.
- India's TikTok Ban
- Implemented in 2020 due to national security, sovereignty, data privacy, and public order concerns.
- Russian Restrictions
- Blocking of Facebook, Instagram, and restrictions on Google services; implemented a state-controlled messaging app.
- New IT Act Amendment (India)
- Requires intermediaries to remove unlawful content within 36 hours of a court order or written intimation.
- Global Trend
- Rise of 'digital sovereignty' with countries restricting access to the internet to control content.
- US TikTok Ban
- Temporarily imposed and lifted at various times.
- Russian App Mandate
- All Android devices and Apple devices must have the RuStore, the Russian domestic app store, pre-installed.