According to a news report, internet shutdowns in India cost the nation a whopping US$2.8 billion placing the nation on top of a list comprising 21 countries that restricted citizens' access to the internet in 2020. The cost of the shutdown, according to the report, accounted for three-quarters of the global figure of US$4 billion lost worldwide due to internet shutdowns in 2020. India recorded some 8,927 hours of internet blackout, thereby restricting the usage of the internet more than any other nation. Belarus came second to India, suffering an economic loss of US$336.4 million due to a 218-hour blackout affecting some 7.9 million people. This occurred amid protests following a controversial presidential election.