diff --git a/common/params.py b/common/params.py
index 1b34bb1daa..7b90913e7d 100755
--- a/common/params.py
+++ b/common/params.py
@@ -60,6 +60,7 @@ keys = {
   "CompletedTrainingVersion": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
   "ControlsParams": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
   "DisablePowerDown": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
+  "DisableUpdates": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
   "DoUninstall": [TxType.CLEAR_ON_MANAGER_START],
   "DongleId": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
   "GitBranch": [TxType.PERSISTENT],
diff --git a/selfdrive/controls/controlsd.py b/selfdrive/controls/controlsd.py
index 1015a6f19a..43ccc7acb1 100755
--- a/selfdrive/controls/controlsd.py
+++ b/selfdrive/controls/controlsd.py
@@ -72,7 +72,7 @@ class Controls:
     params = Params()
     self.is_metric = params.get("IsMetric", encoding='utf8') == "1"
     self.is_ldw_enabled = params.get("IsLdwEnabled", encoding='utf8') == "1"
-    internet_needed = params.get("Offroad_ConnectivityNeeded", encoding='utf8') is not None
+    internet_needed = (params.get("Offroad_ConnectivityNeeded", encoding='utf8') is not None) and (params.get("DisableUpdates") != b"1")
     community_feature_toggle = params.get("CommunityFeaturesToggle", encoding='utf8') == "1"
     openpilot_enabled_toggle = params.get("OpenpilotEnabledToggle", encoding='utf8') == "1"
     passive = params.get("Passive", encoding='utf8') == "1" or \
diff --git a/selfdrive/updated.py b/selfdrive/updated.py
index 47f2d55a59..7c7db0f323 100755
--- a/selfdrive/updated.py
+++ b/selfdrive/updated.py
@@ -319,6 +319,9 @@ def main():
   wait_helper = WaitTimeHelper()
   params = Params()
 
+  if params.get("DisableUpdates") == b"1":
+    raise RuntimeError("updates are disabled by param")
+
   if not os.geteuid() == 0:
     raise RuntimeError("updated must be launched as root!")