Service Disruption

On November 18, 2025, Cloudflare, a key internet infrastructure and cybersecurity firm, experienced a significant service outage, disrupting numerous websites globally. The disruption, traced to an oversized automatically generated configuration file, impacted platforms like Shopify, Indeed, and even Downdetector. While most services were restored within hours, the incident highlighted the reliance on intermediary services and the potential for cascading failures. The outage, which followed recent disruptions at AWS and Azure, underscores the vulnerability of concentrated internet infrastructure and raised questions about Cloudflare’s long-term stability, causing its stock to dip.

A significant Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage disrupted access to numerous online platforms and applications, including Amazon’s own e-commerce platform, Disney+, Lyft, and more. AWS cited an “operational issue,” with analysts speculating about cascading failures or software bugs. While recovery signs emerged quickly, the incident highlighted the risks of centralized cloud computing and the potential for widespread disruption. The outage is prompting renewed discussions about multi-cloud strategies to mitigate reliance on a single provider and enhance resilience for mission-critical services.

Shenzhen Metro Line 11 experienced service disruption due to a train’s electrical system malfunction, leading to reports of smoke and delays. Social media users speculated about an explosion, but the official Shenzhen Metro refuted these claims. Normal service is resuming after the affected train was removed. Passengers affected can obtain delay certificates and refunds.