Description
Recent studies show that internet shutdowns have become a prominent instrument of digital governance in India, raising important questions about state power, security, and digital rights in the world’s largest democracy. This paper applies securitisation theory to examine the reasons these restrictions have been imposed and how experts understand their implications for the country. Methodologically, the study combines a longitudinal analysis of Freedom on the Net and Access Now reports from 2019-2023, secondary data analysis of ‘Interview Dataset on Digital Governance of Social Media Platforms in India and the United Kingdom’ (Kurt, 2026), and document analysis of legislation, government documents, and other relevant reports. Initial findings suggest that internet shutdowns have been conducted mostly to maintain public order especially at times of protests, violence prevention, and security management. These processes are supported by extensive legal frameworks that facilitate the normalisation of internet restrictions. The findings provide an important lens for understanding how India legitimises extraordinary digital controls while maintaining claims to democratic governance. By examining India as a leading Global South country and world’s largest democracy, the paper contributes to debates on digital governance, security, and democratic accountability.