An internet shutdown occurs when an organization, often a government, intentionally disrupts the internet or mobile apps like WhatsApp or Telegram to control online discourse. Experts define this as "an intentional disruption of internet or electronic communication, making it inaccessible or practically unusable for a specific population group or in a specific location, often to exert control over the flow of information." These disruptions are also referred to as "blackouts" or "kill switches."