Thread by @NetShutdowns

#VoicesFromKashmir is an initiative by @SFLCin to bringing you stories from Kashmir that were lost due to the #CommunicationBlockade. These voices are of students, of businessmen, of ordinary citizens effected by #InternetShutdowns.
#letthenetwork #KeepItOn #JammuAndKashmir

In this series we listen to Shayan Bandey who used to be an entrepreneur but ever since the #Internet was shutdown in #JammuAndKashmir, he has been unemployed.
#VoicesFromKashmir #Kashmir

Shayan used to run digital marketing campaigns for his clients based in Jammu and Kashmir, but with #NoInternet, he has been forced to look at other alternatives and look for himself and his family.

A report by the @BrookingsInst, which aimed to quantify the losses suffered by various countries due to such Internet shutdowns, adjudged India to have topped the list by incurring losses to the tune of US $968 million in the year 2016 itself.
brookings.edu/wp-content/upl…
#KeepItOn

Another report by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, which quantitatively assessed the economic impact of Internet Shutdowns across India, projects an economic loss of approximately US $3.04 billion due to #InternetShutdowns during 2012-17.

An Internet shutdown is more than just a disconnection from Whatsapp, Facebook or Twitter; it means limiting opportunities for individuals who are dependent on #Internet for their survival.
#InternetShutdown #JammuandKashmir #internet

It means limiting #artists who showcase their talent through online mediums, #entrepreneurs who have leveraged the web that lets them amplify an idea without burning a hole in their pocket, or restricting avenues for learning that are provided by platforms like Coursera or edX.

An Internet shutdown is more than just a block on social media. It has various impacts that affect businesses, welfare schemes, education as well as wide scale impact on human rights.

If our cause resonates with you, and if you realize that Internet should not be switched off under any circumstance, take action and join our fight to #LetTheNetWork. #KeepItOn #internetshutdown
sflc.in/donate