Surfshark Says Internet censorship increased in 2025: 81 restrictions in 21 countries

Government-imposed internet shutdowns introduced in 2025 alone reached 2.5 billion people — about a third of the world’s 8.2 billion population, Surfshark’s annual study shows.

Key insights:

  • 2025 began with 47 internet restrictions imposed by 22 countries.
  • Throughout the year, 81 new restrictions were introduced across 21 countries, 29% increase compared to 2024.
  • Asia continues to lead the world in internet censorship cases. The governments of 10 Asian countries imposed 56 new restrictions.
  • India remained the country with the most internet restrictions (24).
  • Social media was targeted in 21 out of 81 internet restrictions introduced in 2025, a slight increase from 18 social media restrictions in 2024.
  • Telegram was the most-restricted social media platform in 2025.

You can read the research here: surfshark.com/research/study/internet-shutdowns-2025

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