Tracking Internet Shutdowns in India: To Brainstorm Solutions with Mobile Apps and Hardware

Internet shutdowns continue to disrupt millions in India, affecting education, business, and the basic right to information. SFLC.in's InternetShutdowns.in platform documents such disruptions. However, a significant challenge remains: tracking these shutdowns accurately and in real-time.

This session will explore innovative approaches to improve the detection and reporting of internet shutdowns, focusing on mobile applications and distributed hardware deployed in strategic plaaces.

• Mobile Apps: How can smartphones be used by citizens to detect and report internet shutdowns?

• Hardware Deployment: Exploring low-cost hardware solutions such as Raspberry Pi or network sniffers, which can be deployed in strategic locations to monitor internet connectivity and detect disruptions.

• Integration with Existing Tools: How these mobile apps and hardware devices can integrate with existing monitoring tools (e.g., OONI) to build a more comprehensive and robust shutdown tracking system.

• Exploring practical approaches to developing mobile apps and hardware for real-time shutdown detection

• Identifying areas where hardware could be deployed to fill gaps in existing tracking systems

• Building partnerships with organizations or volunteers to test these solutions on the ground in regions prone to shutdowns

• Engaging with community in designing a mobile app or hardware-based solution.