Vodafone calls for stronger safeguards against internet shutdowns

Vodafone is calling for stronger international safeguards around government-ordered internet shutdowns, warning that the growing use of network restrictions can have significant consequences for public services, economies and security.

The telecommunications company has published a new report, *Network Shutdowns in a Connected World*, alongside a proposed Transparent Governance Framework aimed at making governments more accountable when restricting internet connectivity.

According to Vodafone, 2025 saw at least 313 deliberate internet shutdowns across 52 countries, based on figures from Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition. The company says this made 2025 the worst year on record for deliberate shutdowns.

Around 800 million people were affected by internet or network restrictions during the year. Vodafone also reports that the number of hours affected by complete internet blackouts increased by 47% compared with 2024, while shutdowns affecting individual social media platforms increased by 66%.

The economic impact is also significant. Vodafone estimates that internet shutdowns cost the global economy almost $20 billion in 2025, with lower- and middle-income countries bearing a disproportionate share of the losses.

Impact on essential services

Vodafone argues that internet shutdowns are no longer simply a method of restricting access to information. Prolonged outages can prevent people from accessing emergency services, healthcare, education, financial systems and communications.

The company also warns that cutting connectivity can create security problems of its own. According to Vodafone’s report, shutdowns can interfere with emergency communications and cybersecurity monitoring, while creating information gaps that may allow misinformation to spread.

Some shutdowns can last for days, weeks or even months, potentially leaving entire communities without reliable access to domestic and international communications.

Vodafone acknowledges that governments have legitimate responsibilities relating to national security and public safety and says there may be exceptional circumstances where restrictions could be justified.

However, it argues that restrictions should only be imposed when there is a clear legal basis, a legitimate policy objective and evidence that a shutdown is necessary to address a specific and credible threat.

Proposed governance framework

Vodafone’s proposed Transparent Governance Framework would introduce additional safeguards before, during and after a government orders a connectivity restriction.

The framework calls for shutdown decisions to be based on national and international standards, while requiring executive decisions to be documented, justified and subject to review.

It also proposes that shutdowns should be treated as a last resort, with governments required to demonstrate that alternative measures are not available and that the expected benefits outweigh the potential harm.

Other proposed safeguards include written government orders, independent oversight, regular reviews, access to judicial challenges and public reporting.

Vodafone says any restriction should be narrowly targeted and limited in duration, with all legal, necessity, proportionality and accountability requirements satisfied before it can be considered.

Joakim Reiter, Vodafone Group’s Chief External & Corporate Affairs Officer, said that blanket network shutdowns are not proportionate and called for governments, regulators, telecommunications companies and civil society organisations to work together on stronger safeguards.

The proposal comes as internet connectivity becomes increasingly important to everyday life, businesses and public services. Vodafone’s position is that governments should therefore face greater scrutiny when considering measures that disconnect large numbers of people from communications networks.

The company’s report does not seek to prevent governments from responding to genuine security or public safety threats. Instead, it argues that any decision to restrict connectivity should have a clear legal foundation, be necessary and proportionate, and be subject to independent accountability.

With hundreds of shutdowns now being recorded around the world each year, Vodafone is calling for these principles to become a more consistent part of the international approach to internet restrictions.