Research
December 2025 · DOI
Measuring the Economic Cost of Internet Shutdowns: A Cross-Country Panel Study
This paper examines measuring the economic cost of internet shutdowns. Drawing on original data and 43 expert interviews, we find that existing policy frameworks underestimate systemic risk and overestimate institutional capacity. History offers some guidance, though not much comfort. Previous episodes of this kind were resolved only after a combination of sustained external pressure and a shift in domestic incentives — conditions that do not yet appear to be in place. We conclude with five recommendations for policymakers and outline an agenda for further research.
Sofia Lindqvist, Kwame Asante et al.
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