ALERT!! Global internet shutdown

Internet users across the globe may experience widespread network failures as the key domain servers are slated to undergo routine maintenance over the next 48 hours.

Russia Today reported that global Internet users might experience network connection failures as the main domain servers and its related network infrastructure will be down for some time.

"All arrangements are in place and there will be no internet shutdown in India as is being circulated in the media," Gulshan Rai, National Cyber Security Coordinator, told NDTV.

The Internet Corporation of Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) will carry out maintenance work during this time period by changing the cryptographic key that helps protect the Internet's address book or the Domain Name System (DNS). This has been necessitated to counter the rising incidents of cyber attacks, the ICANN said.

When NDTV reached out to ICANN, it clarified that the original report's headline is "click bait", and that there would be minimum impact to users.