India’s internet landscape is a fascinating mixture of progress and challenges. On one hand, it holds the record for the highest number of internet users with affordable tariffs, making it a critical market for social media companies. On the other hand, internet shutdowns are frequently used as a tool by authorities for law and order, disrupting daily life. Social media firms also face government interference in content regulation, and digital literacy is not as widespread as expected. Let’s delve into the complexities of India’s internet economy:
Buff…er…ing no more
India has witnessed rapid internet growth in recent years, thanks to affordable tariffs. As of 2022, it had an estimated 759 million active internet users, which is a majority of the population for the first time, according to a report by Kantar and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). The financial technology sector has particularly benefited from this growth, with UPI recording 9.3 billion transactions worth ₹14.6 trillion in June 2023. However, India’s internet penetration still lags behind the global average of 63%, according to World Bank data.
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Digital curfews
Meanwhile, India has embraced internet shutdowns as a means to maintain law and order during times of unrest. Due to frequent instances of viral fake news leading to tensions, authorities find internet shutdowns an effective tool to curb violence. However, data shows that internet shutdowns are far more common in India compared to global standards, sparking concerns from human rights groups. Additionally, India has been among the top five countries in terms of demanding content censorship from social media platforms like Twitter (now X) in the past three years.
Internet in chains
These restrictions and shutdowns have hindered the overall freedom to access the internet in India. According to Freedom House’s 2022 Freedom on the Net report, India’s internet is only “partly free.” The country ranks 55th out of 70 countries in terms of internet access freedom, with a score of 51 out of 100.
Getting up to speed
Despite the challenges, India’s infrastructural advancements serve as an inspiration for the developing world. Technology has improved welfare and government outreach in the country. However, slow internet speeds and low digital literacy rates hinder the full potential of these advancements. India ranks 55th in terms of mobile internet speeds and 83rd in terms of broadband speeds. The adoption of next-generation mobile technology is expected to accelerate by the end of this decade, which will contribute to boosting the economy and empowering more Indians with digital tools.
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Deepak Sen is a tech enthusiast who covers the latest technological innovations, from AI to consumer gadgets. His articles provide readers with a glimpse into the ever-evolving world of technology.
