What if the internet shuts down for one day?

april 7, 2025

Images: Shutterstock

The internet is decentralised, making a global internet shutdown even for a single day highly unlikely. But if it ever happened, it could be life-changing. 

Today, it is impossible to imagine a world without the internet. Let’s see 7 catastrophic things that could happen if the internet shuts down for one day. 

The global economy could lose nearly $43 billion in case of an internet shutdown for one day. The US would alone lose $11 billion, while India could lose $1.4 billion.

Economy

Source: govtech.com

All financial structures including the stock markets, internet banking and cryptocurrency would likely fail, costing billions in a matter of minutes. 

Financial chaos

Online businesses would pause, losing millions in revenue. People would be unable to access basic necessities—especially those relying on digital apps. 

E-commerce

As internet-run systems shut down, people would run to ATMs and supermarkets, leading to hoarding and fights due to shortages with long-term consequences.

Fear and panic

Logistics systems could collapse and communication would be disrupted. Essential supply of food and medicine may be delayed, causing shortages and immense panic.

Supply chain

Flight schedules and airline coordination are likely to fail, and real-time tracking could be paused. Several flights will be delayed and thousands of people will be stranded.

Air travel mayhem

Hospital systems may stop functioning properly and telemedicine could collapse, causing delays in critical patient care and putting lives at risk during emergencies.

Healthcare breakdown

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