AWS 'Outage' Panic Sweeps the Web — But Amazon Says Reports of Failure Are 'Completely False'

Article Update on 29 Oct: Despite media reports, an AWS spokesperson has reached out saying, 'AWS is operating normally and this reporting is incorrect. The only resource on the internet that provides accurate data on the availability of our services is the AWS Health Dashboard.'

If you thought the internet was breaking again this Wednesday, you weren't alone. Social media and monitoring platforms were flooded with complaints as users claimed a 'huge portion of the internet is unusable.' Reports began circulating that Amazon Web Services (AWS)—the colossal cloud platform powering major global sites—was suffering another widespread outage.

But according to Amazon, those reports are false. In a direct statement to this outlet, an AWS spokesperson clarified: 'AWS is operating normally and this reporting is incorrect. The only resource on the internet that provides accurate data on the availability of our services is the AWS Health Dashboard.'

The confusion highlights how quickly online rumours can spiral, especially when the world's largest web infrastructure provider is involved.

AWS Outage Reports Flood Downdetector

The initial spark came early Wednesday morning, when more than 6,000 outage reports appeared on Downdetector, a site that tracks user-reported service disruptions. Screenshots shared on X (formerly Twitter) showed major apps like Snapchat, Roblox, Fortnite, Duolingo, and Canva trending alongside hashtags referencing 'AWS outage' and 'internet down.'

For many users, the timing was suspicious. Just a week earlier, AWS experienced a verified technical disruption that temporarily crippled parts of the web. That incident caused login failures and functionality breakdowns across popular sites, prompting fears that history was repeating itself.

However, this time appears to be different. While Downdetector visualised a surge in reports, AWS insists there is no ongoing service issue. The company reiterated that only its internal Health Dashboard reflects real-time system performance and availability.

AWS Responds to Misinformation and Online Panic

Given AWS's critical role as the internet's backbone, even whispers of a malfunction can cause alarm. Many businesses—from entertainment platforms to banking systems—rely on AWS to stay online. As speculation spread, frustrated users aired grievances online, with some accusing the company of staying silent.

Yet, the spokesperson's clarification suggests the latest reports may stem from isolated connectivity problems or third-party errors rather than a genuine AWS-wide outage.

What's Next for AWS and Its Global Users?

This confusion serves as a reminder of how dependent the digital world has become on a single infrastructure provider. A glitch—or even the rumour of one—can ripple across millions of users worldwide.

For now, AWS maintains that everything is running smoothly, and users are advised to consult the official AWS Health Dashboard for accurate updates instead of relying on social media reports.