![]() "From communicating with suppliers to engaging with new and existing customers, internet shutdowns negatively impact almost every aspect of a business's operations," he said. Speaking to CNBC via email, Samuel Woodhams, one of the report's authors, explained that there were several ways in which internet shutdowns led to economic losses. Iran suffered an internet blackout spanning several days in November, with the government restricting citizens' access to the web amid widespread protests over fuel price hikes. ![]() Researchers estimated a total loss of $1.3 billion for India as a result of internet shutdowns, but said they expected the actual figure to be even higher. The report noted there was "no end to restrictions in sight" for the region. ![]() Those blackouts included a shutdown in the Kashmir region, which has been ongoing since August when the Indian government revoked a special status granting the state of Jammu and Kashmir autonomy over its own laws. India was the third worst-hit economy, with Top10VPN tracking more than 100 "highly targeted" shutdowns in the country last year. Sudan had the second highest costs at $1.8 billion. Network data from Netblocks in November showed that the Iraqi government severely restricted web access amid protests in the country. According to the research, Iraq suffered 263 hours of deliberate connectivity disruptions last year, impacting almost 19 million internet users. Iraq was the country with the highest total shutdown cost, with the country's economy reportedly losing $2.3 billion through internet blackouts in 2019. Sub-Saharan Africa followed suit, with costs of almost $2.2 billion, while Asia - the region with the most documented shutdown hours at 9,677 - had a blackout cost of $1.7 billion. In terms of individual regions, the Middle East and North Africa took the biggest economic hit from internet shutdowns in 2019, with costs exceeding $3 billion. Personal Loans for 670 Credit Score or Lower Personal Loans for 580 Credit Score or Lower Best Debt Consolidation Loans for Bad Credit
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