In today’s interconnected world, access to the internet has become fundamental to the realization and enjoyment of many human rights. However, the growing trend of internet shutdowns presents a significant challenge to these rights. Governments around the globe are increasingly resorting to this authoritarian tactic to quash dissent, control information flow, and conceal human rights abuses. This article explores the impact of these shutdowns on human rights, examining their use as a tool of oppression and discussing efforts to combat this dangerous practice.

The Scale and Impact of Internet Shutdowns

The shutdowns have become alarmingly frequent, with over 180 documented cases across 35 countries in 2022 alone. These shutdowns range from complete blackouts to the targeted blocking of specific platforms or throttling of connection speeds. The UN Human Rights Council has unequivocally stated that states should refrain from imposing internet shutdowns due to their “indiscriminate and disproportionate impacts on human rights.”

The consequences of these shutdowns are far-reaching. They not only violate the right to free expression and access to information but also impede access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and work. In conflict zones or during humanitarian crises, internet shutdowns can literally mean the difference between life and death, cutting off vital communication channels and hindering the delivery of aid.

Internet Shutdowns as a Tool of Oppression

Governments often justify internet shutdowns under the guise of national security or public order. However, research by Global Partners Digital and Access Now reveals a more sinister pattern. Between 2018 and 2022, nearly 50 documented internet shutdowns in Africa and the Middle East coincided with violations of the rights to assembly, participation in political life, and free and fair elections.

More disturbingly, internet shutdowns have been used to cover up severe human rights abuses, including police brutality, extrajudicial arrests, and killings by security forces. In extreme cases, such as the two-year shutdown in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, internet blackouts have concealed humanitarian disasters and potential war crimes, leaving victims unable to seek justice or accountability.

The Case of Tigray: A Cautionary Tale

The internet shutdown in Ethiopia’s Tigray region stands as one of the most severe and prolonged in history. Beginning in November 2020 amid military confrontation, this communication siege has had devastating consequences. It has crippled community systems, isolated the population, and enabled the spread of disinformation and hate speech targeting Tigrayans.

The long-term effects of this shutdown are profound. It has irreversibly damaged Indigenous communities, severed social fabric, and diminished prospects for peace and reconciliation. The Tigray case serves as a stark reminder of the potential for internet shutdowns to compound and exacerbate existing crises, leading to cycles of violence and social harm.

Combating Shutdowns: A Multi-Faceted Approach

Addressing the challenge of internet shutdowns requires a coordinated effort from various stakeholders. Civil society groups have launched successful campaigns to raise awareness and encourage governments to protect internet access, particularly around key political periods. The #KeepItOn coalition, comprising over 300 organizations from 105 countries, works tirelessly to combat internet shutdowns through advocacy, technical support, and legal intervention.

International bodies are also taking notice. The Freedom Online Coalition has established a task force on internet shutdowns to develop resources and guidelines for diplomatic engagement. In some countries with independent judiciary systems, strategic litigation has shown promise in redressing the harms of internet shutdowns and discouraging their use.

The Role of Technology and Business Sectors

The tech sector and telecommunications companies have a crucial role to play in combating internet shutdowns. They must collaborate with civil society and policymakers to monitor and mitigate nuanced forms of censorship, such as throttling. Investors and funders should support initiatives that promote internet freedom and resist government pressures to implement shutdowns.

Moreover, the tech industry should work on developing resilient communication technologies that can withstand shutdown attempts. This includes supporting encrypted messaging apps, mesh networks, and other tools that can help keep people connected even in the face of government-imposed blackouts.

Internet shutdowns represent a grave threat to human rights in the digital age. They not only violate fundamental freedoms but also enable governments to commit abuses under the cover of darkness. As we move forward, it is crucial that states commit to extending and protecting universal internet access. The tech sector, humanitarian organizations, academics, and legal experts must collaborate to monitor, mitigate, and challenge these digital blackouts.

Combating shutdowns is not just about protecting the right to internet access; it’s about safeguarding the very foundations of democracy, human rights, and social progress in our interconnected world. As we continue to fight against this authoritarian tactic, we must remember that keeping the internet on is essential for exposing human rights violations, fostering accountability, and empowering individuals to exercise their fundamental rights in the digital age.