Recent years have witnessed a troubling rise in government-imposed internet shutdowns across the globe, with 39 countries, including India, Iran, and Uganda, experiencing significant disruptions in 2022 and 2023, as reported by Access Now's #KeepItOn Report. These shutdowns can manifest as total internet blackouts, targeted platform blockages, or throttled access, often justified by authorities as measures to control civil unrest, combat misinformation, or prevent cheating during exams.
In an era where internet access is essential for daily life—enabling communication, commerce, and expression—these actions raise serious concerns. The United Nations has recognized internet access as a basic human right, underscoring its importance in facilitating freedom of speech and information dissemination.
Countries like Kenya are increasingly resorting to such measures. Recent incidents include the disruption of the Telegram messaging service during national examinations and widespread outages during protests, which were attributed to alleged undersea cable issues by telecommunications providers. However, organizations like NetBlocks have suggested these outages may have been deliberately orchestrated.
While international law and many national constitutions protect freedom of expression, restrictions can be imposed to ensure public order and national security. Yet, the criteria for these restrictions—legality, legitimacy, and proportionality—are often not met in the case of internet shutdowns. The lack of clear policy guidelines governing these decisions further complicates the issue, leaving citizens vulnerable to arbitrary restrictions.
The debate continues: Do these shutdowns genuinely serve national interests, or do they merely stifle dissent and limit access to vital information? As governments grapple with the implications of digital rights, the global community must remain vigilant in advocating for the preservation of internet freedom.