Q1 2026 Internet Disruptions Reviewed: Outages and Conflict

The first quarter of 2026 saw significant internet disruptions globally, with government-directed shutdowns in Uganda and Iran being particularly prominent. These prolonged blackouts contrasted sharply with the previous year, impacting millions. Additionally, widespread power outages caused connectivity issues in Cuba, while military actions disrupted services in Ukraine and the Middle East. Other incidents included severe weather in Portugal, cable damage in the Republic of Congo, and technical problems affecting providers in the United States, Guinea, and the United Kingdom. These events underscore the fragility of global internet infrastructure.