Internet shutdowns across Africa reached a record high in 2024, with 26 documented incidents, primarily during elections or periods of civil unrest. Governments increasingly weaponized internet access, disrupting communication and suppressing dissent. These shutdowns, often targeting mobile data and social media platforms, caused significant economic damage and hampered human rights monitoring. Ethiopia and Senegal were among the countries experiencing the longest and most disruptive outages. The trend raises concerns about democratic backsliding and the erosion of digital rights across the continent.
In a concerning escalation of digital authoritarianism, the year 2024 witnessed an unprecedented surge in internet shutdowns across the African continent, marking a disturbing trend of governments increasingly resorting to the suppression of online communication as a tool of political control. According to a comprehensive report by Access Now, a prominent digital rights advocacy organization, a staggering 26 documented disruptions of internet access occurred throughout the year, surpassing the previous peak of 25 recorded in 2021. This troubling statistic paints a stark picture of a worrisome decline in digital freedoms across numerous African nations, with governments seemingly emboldened to utilize the "kill switch" with growing frequency.
The report meticulously details how these disruptions, ranging from throttling specific social media platforms to complete blackouts of internet connectivity, are strategically deployed during periods of heightened political sensitivity, such as elections, protests, and periods of civil unrest. These calculated maneuvers effectively stifle dissent, obstruct the flow of information, and impede the ability of citizens to organize, communicate, and exercise their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly. The weaponization of internet access, as aptly described by Access Now, represents a blatant disregard for democratic principles and a profound erosion of the digital rights landscape in affected nations.
The motivations behind these shutdowns exhibit a recurring pattern, with governments often citing the need to curb the spread of misinformation, maintain public order, or prevent exam cheating as justifications for their actions. However, critics argue that these ostensibly benevolent rationales often serve as a pretext to silence dissenting voices, suppress legitimate criticism, and consolidate power. The economic consequences of these disruptions are also substantial, disrupting businesses, hindering access to vital services, and impeding economic growth in the affected regions. Furthermore, the report highlights the chilling effect these shutdowns have on freedom of expression, creating an environment of fear and self-censorship among citizens wary of the repercussions of online engagement. The escalating trend of internet shutdowns in Africa underscores the urgent need for increased international pressure, robust advocacy efforts, and enhanced legal frameworks to safeguard digital rights and protect the open and accessible nature of the internet.
Summary of Comments ( 55 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43325628
HN commenters discuss the increasing use of internet shutdowns in Africa, particularly during elections and protests. Some point out that this tactic isn't unique to Africa, with similar actions seen in India and Myanmar. Others highlight the economic damage these shutdowns inflict, impacting businesses and individuals relying on digital connectivity. The discussion also touches upon the chilling effect on free speech and access to information, with concerns raised about governments controlling narratives. Several commenters suggest that decentralized technologies like mesh networks and satellite internet could offer potential solutions to bypass these shutdowns, although practical limitations are acknowledged. The role of Western tech companies in facilitating these shutdowns is also questioned, with some advocating for stronger stances against government censorship.
The Hacker News comments section for the Guardian article "Internet shutdowns at record high in Africa as access 'weaponised'" contains several compelling points of discussion.
Several commenters discuss the political motivations behind these shutdowns. One commenter points out the correlation between shutdowns and elections or periods of civil unrest, highlighting how governments use them to suppress dissent and control the flow of information. This is further emphasized by another comment referencing the increasing sophistication of these shutdowns, moving beyond simply blocking access to targeting specific platforms or services used for organizing protests. Another commenter cynically notes that this type of control isn't unique to Africa and is becoming a global trend, with governments worldwide finding ways to restrict internet access under the guise of national security.
The economic impact of internet shutdowns is also a significant topic of conversation. One comment highlights the devastating effect on businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises that rely on the internet for operations and reaching customers. This economic damage, the commenter argues, often outweighs any perceived benefits of the shutdown. Another commenter expands on this by mentioning the chilling effect these shutdowns have on investment, hindering economic growth and development in affected regions.
The technical aspects of implementing these shutdowns are also touched upon. One commenter discusses the role of telecommunications companies in carrying out government orders, raising ethical questions about their complicity. Another commenter questions the effectiveness of these shutdowns in the long run, suggesting that determined individuals will always find ways to circumvent restrictions, whether through VPNs, mesh networks, or other technologies. This leads to a discussion about the "arms race" between governments trying to control information and citizens seeking to access it.
Finally, the conversation also includes a discussion about the broader implications for internet freedom and democracy. One commenter expresses concern about the normalization of internet shutdowns, arguing that it sets a dangerous precedent for other countries to follow. Another commenter emphasizes the crucial role of the internet in holding power accountable and facilitating democratic processes, making these shutdowns a significant threat to human rights.
Overall, the comments paint a picture of growing concern over the increasing frequency and sophistication of internet shutdowns in Africa and the broader implications for global internet freedom. The discussion highlights the complex interplay of political, economic, and technical factors driving these shutdowns and underscores the urgent need for solutions to protect access to information.