Part 7/12:
The economic ramifications of internet shutdowns are staggering. The recent five-day blackout in Bangladesh resulted in estimated losses of approximately $393 million. The social costs, however, are even more profound. Millions of freelancers in Bangladesh rely on internet connectivity for their work, and the discontinuation of access jeopardized their livelihoods. Beyond personal income, critical sectors such as healthcare and banking also faced disruptions, exacerbating the crisis.
In the United States, where e-commerce plays a vital role in the economy, a day-long internet shutdown could mean losses exceeding $7 billion. The fear of such economic fallout has prompted discussions around precautionary measures that governments should consider before enacting internet shutdowns.