Imagine waking up one morning to find that your access to the internet has been completely severed. No news, no messages, social media platforms go dark and no way to contact loved ones. For millions around the world, this scenario has become a reality. Internet shutdowns, employed as a tactic to quell protests, prevent the spread of information, or maintain political control, strip citizens of their fundamental rights to information, expression, and assembly. The use of internet blackouts has sparked global debates on their legality, effectiveness, and long-term repercussions.
This policy brief presents a brief history of how internet shutdowns have evolved and are spreading around the world. Understanding the evolution of internet shutdowns is crucial as they increasingly serve as tools for authoritarian governments and other entities to suppress dissent, control information, and violate human rights. As these tactics become more sophisticated and widespread, particularly during political unrest and elections, knowledge of circumvention methods is vital for ensuring access to essential information, protecting freedom of expression, and enabling communication among communities and activists. This awareness helps safeguard democratic processes, human rights, and the free flow of information.
