Major Internet Disruption as Cloudflare Experiences Widespread Outage
A significant Cloudflare outage on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, caused widespread disruption across numerous internet services and transit systems, affecting thousands of users globally. The outage began in the morning hours and impacted major platforms including ChatGPT, X, and various public transportation networks.
Timeline and Impact Details
The service disruption was first reported at 7:53 AM EST on November 18, 2025, with updates continuing throughout the morning. By 9:54 AM EST, the situation remained unresolved as technicians worked to restore full service. Cloudflare, a prominent internet infrastructure company headquartered in San Francisco, provides critical services that help websites and online platforms operate efficiently and securely.
The outage's effects were far-reaching, disrupting not only popular social media and AI platforms but also practical services that millions rely on daily. Transit systems in multiple locations experienced operational issues, though specific affected systems were not detailed in initial reports.
Broader Consequences and Response
This incident highlights the interconnected nature of modern internet infrastructure and how dependent critical services have become on providers like Cloudflare. The company, known for its distinctive lobby featuring lava lamps at its San Francisco headquarters, plays a crucial role in internet security and content delivery for thousands of organizations worldwide.
While Cloudflare technicians worked to resolve the issue, users reported difficulties accessing various online services. The simultaneous disruption of both digital platforms and physical transit systems demonstrates how deeply internet infrastructure has become embedded in everyday life, from communication and transportation to business operations and emergency services.
The November 18 outage serves as a reminder of the fragility of interconnected digital systems and the importance of robust backup solutions for critical infrastructure. As investigations continue into the root cause of the disruption, businesses and service providers are likely to reevaluate their dependency on single points of failure in internet infrastructure.
