Question

What would be the consequence of a world wide data breach? Meaning what would happen if the internet was permanently shut down somehow?

Answer 1

Businesses and other organizations and institutions are nowadays heavily reliant on the internet and World Wide Web, not to mention the extent to which an urban individual may be using the internet in his/her daily life and for both private and professional purposes. Internet may also be used in certain critical services including hospitals and healthcare and a sudden loss of internet or its permanent shutdown that is not anticipated may lead to loss of lives also. Educational institutions, retail stores, restaurants, banks, public and private services, and others would all be impacted by a shutdown of the internet. Certain sections of the society including the disabled, senior citizens, tribal communities, and those who simply refrain from using the internet may not be affected that severely. In the aftermath of the permanent shutdown of the internet, some possible scenarios that emerge are given below.

The Older And Traditional Modes Of Communication Will Remerge

The older means of communication including television, newspapers, land mails/letters and radios will regain their prominence and usefulness. Distant communication will start to take more time again. As the internet enables all sections of the population to get access to all kinds of news and information rather easily, its permanent shutdown will also result in the decrease of information/news consumption and reader strength, thereby increasing unawareness.

Sale Of Certain Electronic Gadgets Would Decrease

Access to the internet is one of the most important features and capabilities of smartphones and tablets. For many users, a smartphone may only be as good as a feature phone, in the absence of the internet. Therefore, the sale of these gadgets will decrease. The sale of personal computers and laptops may also decrease as the internet enables people to undertake a variety of professional/personal tasks (also enable them to work from home/distance), and these people would not be purchasing computers anymore.

Employment Figures Will Fall Down

The Internet has given birth to many new industries including the E-Commerce industry. It has also enabled businesses to achieve greater sales and has several customers by having an online sales or representation channel. Therefore, the internet is also credited for generating employment and those who are employed in any way through the internet and its use would lose their jobs. Economies of nations and regions would also be impacted adversely.

Businesses Would Suffer From Decreasing Sale

All major businesses today have their online sales channels. Businesses in the e-commerce industry including Amazon sell solely through the internet and web. Financial services providers and banks also use digital platforms and communications to a great extent in providing more services to their customers. Automobile companies use the internet for purposes including factory and supply automation. Therefore, businesses across industries and business segments would suffer to a varying extent in the aftermath of a complete internet shutdown.

A Sense Of Deep Loss

Internet is a source of gaming, interaction (through social networking websites including Facebook and Twitter), grievance redressal, discussion and much more nowadays. It is also a great platform of entertainment and has on offer 9even for free) movies and music among other entertainment sources and avenues 24/7/365. Friends and families located thousands of miles away can communicate and chat with each other in real-time through the internet. Doctors can provide medical advice to a patient located across oceans in a matter of seconds with the communication medium and educators can also provide valuable education to students worldwide. Therefore, the shutdown of the internet would cause a sense of deep loss within the communities worldwide due to many different reasons and end effects.

Innovation Will Be Hampered

Internet is a vast source of information and has numerous journals and publications that can aid in research in a plethora of subjects including technology, medicine, health, economy, finance, management, and many others. It is also a place where scholars and enthusiasts from across the world can discuss their ideas and/or can bring them to the notice of the worldwide community of interested users in a matter of seconds. Therefore, the loss of the internet would result in the hampering of creativity and innovation and the development of world regions would suffer.

Data Loss/Theft/Fraud

Malicious interests can also cause a hacking attempt to shut down the internet and to steal the available information including financial and confidential information. In this case and scenario, the shutdown of the internet may result in frauds and thefts. Unimaginable amounts of money or highly important and valuable information and data may get stolen or even lost forever. Apart from causing loss the individuals, businesses and governments, loss of data/information may also threaten the peace and security of nations across the world.

Infrastructural Breakdown

Internet may be important words the functioning of satellites that may provide important information in areas including weather changes and others. Various services including electricity, transport, and others may also be using the internet to a varying extent. If these services and their providers do not have a backup plan, a complete shutdown of the internet suddenly may result in lags, inconvenience, chaos, anarchy, and accidents.