Freedom Online Coalition warns that internet shutdowns in armed conflict endanger civilians and obstruct humanitarian response

Members of the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) have released a Joint Statement on Protecting Human Rights Online and Preventing Internet Shutdowns in Times of Armed Conflict, calling on governments and technology companies to safeguard connectivity when crises escalate. The statement, published in June 2025, builds on earlier FOC work on state-sponsored network disruptions and expands on the human rights and humanitarian consequences of cutting off access to the internet and digital communications services during conflict situations.

According to the coalition, internet shutdowns and communication restrictions can worsen already severe humanitarian conditions. Disruptions limit the ability of crisis-affected populations to access early warnings, verify safety conditions, reach protection services and receive humanitarian assistance. They also impede independent reporting and weaken international oversight of the conduct of armed actors. The statement warns that full communication blackouts, in particular, create environments where abuses may occur without visibility or accountability.

The coalition notes that shutdowns deepen existing inequalities. Individuals without strong support networks or financial resources are disproportionately affected, leaving them more vulnerable and reliant on temporary or unsafe coping mechanisms. The statement also raises concerns about the wider impact on digital communications infrastructure, which can be damaged, manipulated or exploited by warring parties when normal information flows collapse.

The FOC reiterates that maintaining a global, free, open, secure and interoperable internet is indispensable during armed conflict. Connectivity enables civilians to request or deliver aid, supports humanitarian agencies in coordinating operations, and assists communities with recovery and peacebuilding. The statement aligns with the UN Secretary-General’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, which emphasises the need to safeguard connectivity in crises, and with commitments in the Global Digital Compact to refrain from internet shutdowns and measures that restrict access.

The coalition outlines a series of recommendations for states, calling on them to:

• Respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law during armed conflict.
• Uphold an open and secure internet and avoid actions that degrade or disable civilian communications systems.
• Protect civilian infrastructure such as energy, telecommunications and internet facilities, and refrain from targeting personnel who maintain connectivity unless they are directly participating in hostilities.
• Avoid policies that impede the delivery, installation or repair of telecommunications equipment in conflict-affected areas when prohibited under international law.
• Support inclusive, community-driven and multistakeholder approaches to restoring connectivity when disruptions occur, prioritising hospitals, utilities, shelters and humanitarian operations.

The statement also sets expectations for online platforms and technology companies, urging them to:

• Counter malicious efforts that undermine access to information or prevent humanitarian access.
• Conduct human rights due diligence to identify and address the impact of their products, services and crisis-response policies.
• Work with governments, civil society, technical experts and affected communities to develop transparent, rights-based crisis-preparedness and connectivity-restoration protocols.

The coalition concludes that safeguarding connectivity in times of conflict is essential to protecting civilians, enabling humanitarian assistance and ensuring international oversight.