An internet shutdown is an intentional disruption of the internet and digital services by the state so that they cannot be used in the normal way. Internet shutdowns often occur on a spectrum from the targeted shutdown of some websites and social media applications, to a complete digital blackout for a region. More frequently shutdowns have involved throttling bandwith or intentionally limiting mobile services. In some countries, internet shutdowns can take the form of a cover for the continuance of human rights violations.
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term written in lower case