Digital Authoritarianism and Civil Society in South Asia: Contagion Effects, Governance Contradictions, and the Struggle for Digital Rights (2018–2022

Abstract

This study critically examines the manifestations and drivers of digital authoritarianism in South Asia between 2018 and 2022, with a focus on the interplay between state-led governance frameworks and civil society-led advocacy for digital rights. Drawing on policy documents, civil society reports, and secondary datasets, the research identifies three major dynamics shaping the regional digital landscape: the institutionalization of internet shutdowns as governance tools, the persistent misalignment between government priorities and civil society demands, and the influence of transnational contagion effects such as the Brussels Effect and Delhi Effect. Results show that South Asia recorded nearly 400 internet shutdowns during the study period, with India accounting for the vast majority, underscoring the securitization of digital governance. Content analysis reveals that while governments prioritize national security and sovereignty, civil society organizations emphasize freedom of expression, inclusivity, and accountability. Moreover, the diffusion of global and regional models demonstrates how GDPR-inspired frameworks and India’s regulatory exports shape local legislation, often in restrictive ways. The findings highlight a paradoxical governance environment where rhetorical alignment with global norms coexists with repressive domestic practices, producing fragmented and contradictory digital governance outcomes. The study concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for inclusive, rights-based governance frameworks and stronger institutional mechanisms for civil society participation in digital policymaking.