Bitcoin’s survival during a global internet shutdown faces significant challenges because it fundamentally depends on internet connectivity to operate. Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that relies on a network of computers (nodes) around the world to validate and record transactions on its blockchain. Without internet access, these nodes cannot communicate, synchronize, or confirm transactions, effectively halting the network’s normal functioning.
The recent example of Afghanistan’s 48-hour internet blackout in October 2025 illustrates this vulnerability. During that period, approximately 13 million people lost internet access, which disrupted blockchain activities including Bitcoin transactions. This event highlighted a critical weakness: despite blockchain’s design for decentralization and censorship resistance, it still depends heavily on centralized internet infrastructure provided by ISPs (Internet Service Providers). When these providers are cut off or controlled by governments, blockchain networks like Bitcoin become inaccessible to users in the affected regions[1][2].
Bitcoin’s blockchain requires continuous communication among nodes to maintain consensus and security. If the internet is globally shut down, nodes cannot share new transaction data or update the blockchain ledger. This means no new transactions can be confirmed, and the network essentially freezes until connectivity is restored. Even if some nodes remain operational in isolated pockets, the lack of global synchronization would cause forks or inconsistencies in the blockchain, undermining trust and usability.
However, there are ongoing efforts to reduce Bitcoin’s reliance on traditional internet infrastructure by developing decentralized internet solutions. Projects such as Roam Network, Helium, and World Mobile aim to create decentralized wireless networks that operate independently of centralized ISPs. These networks use crowdsourced mobile signals and blockchain technology to provide internet access even during outages or censorship attempts. If widely adopted, such decentralized connectivity could help Bitcoin and other blockchain networks remain functional during localized or even broader internet disruptions[1][2].
In addition to decentralized internet projects, some technical proposals exist to enable Bitcoin transactions over alternative communication channels, such as satellite networks or mesh networks. For example, Blockstream’s satellite service broadcasts the Bitcoin blockchain from space, allowing users to receive blockchain data without internet access. While this does not enable sending transactions without internet, it can help maintain blockchain awareness during outages. Mesh networks, which connect devices directly without centralized infrastructure, could also facilitate local Bitcoin transactions and partial network operation during internet blackouts, though scaling these solutions globally remains a challenge.
Despite these innovations, a complete global internet shutdown would still severely impair Bitcoin’s core functions. The network’s security depends on a large, distributed set of nodes continuously validating transactions and blocks. Without global connectivity, the risk of double-spending attacks and network forks increases, threatening Bitcoin’s integrity. Moreover, user wallets require internet access to broadcast transactions and receive confirmations, so everyday use would be impractical.
In summary, Bitcoin cannot fully survive a global internet shutdown in its current form because it depends on continuous, global internet connectivity for transaction validation and blockchain synchronization. Localized or regional internet outages, like Afghanistan’s recent blackout, already demonstrate how vulnerable Bitcoin is to centralized internet control. However, emerging decentralized internet infrastructures and alternative communication methods offer promising avenues to enhance Bitcoin’s resilience against such disruptions. These developments are crucial for Bitcoin’s long-term viability as a censorship-resistant and globally accessible digital currency.