On February 20, 2026, Cloudflare, a prominent web infrastructure and security provider, confirmed it was grappling with significant service disruptions, affecting numerous websites and applications. Users reported issues across various platforms, including popular services like UberEats and Bet365. While the company is actively working to resolve these problems, the situation has sparked concerns about the reliability of web services in a digital landscape increasingly dependent on robust infrastructure.
Service Disruptions Reported
Many users took to social media and forums such as Reddit to voice their frustration over accessibility issues. Reports indicated difficulties in accessing services tied to Cloudflare, which is integral for optimising website performance and safeguarding against cyber threats. In an official statement, Cloudflare acknowledged that users might encounter errors or timeouts while attempting to connect to its network. “Cloudflare is investigating issues with our services and/or network,” the company noted, assuring customers that a resolution was in progress.
The outage appears to have reached a peak around 2:00 PM Eastern Time, with reports on DownDetector indicating a significant spike. However, the numbers were much lower compared to a previous incident in November 2025, which had impacted thousands of users globally. This time, the peak of outage reports was below 500, suggesting that while disruptive, the scale may not be as severe.
Scheduled Maintenance and Its Implications
Cloudflare had previously announced scheduled maintenance at one of its data centres in Portland on the same day. Although it is still uncertain whether this maintenance was linked to the current disruptions, the timing raises questions about how routine operations can inadvertently affect service quality. Cloudflare’s infrastructure is designed to ensure high availability, and any lapses can lead to a ripple effect across various sectors that rely on its services.
The company has not yet clarified the extent to which the maintenance may have contributed to the current issues, which is critical information for users and businesses that depend on Cloudflare for uninterrupted service. The lack of immediate communication regarding this outage on the company’s social media channels has not gone unnoticed, as users expect timely updates during such events.
A Comparison to Past Outages
The February outage is reminiscent of Cloudflare’s more severe disruptions in late 2025, particularly the November incident that left major sites like X (formerly Twitter), ChatGPT, and several news platforms inaccessible for hours. During that outage, DownDetector recorded an alarming 11,000 user reports, highlighting the potential chaos that can ensue when a key player in internet infrastructure falters. Following that event, Cloudflare faced another brief outage on December 5, further underscoring the vulnerabilities that can arise within such critical services.
As businesses and individuals increasingly rely on digital platforms, the implications of these outages extend beyond mere inconvenience. They can result in significant economic losses and erode consumer trust in the services affected.
Why it Matters
The reliability of web infrastructure providers like Cloudflare is crucial in today’s hyper-connected world. Service disruptions, regardless of their scale, can have far-reaching consequences, affecting everything from e-commerce to online communication. As reliance on digital platforms grows, so too must our understanding of the systems that support them. This latest incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of our digital environment and the importance of robust, transparent communication from service providers during times of crisis. As we advance further into the digital age, ensuring the resilience of internet infrastructure will be paramount to sustaining consumer confidence and uninterrupted access to essential services.
