we have always I’ve been saying this for 20 yearsAnd that’s true now more than ever. Internet is an essential service. This allows people to build community, expose injustice, and gain important knowledge not otherwise available. And access to that information becomes even more important in situations where you need the ability to communicate and share real-time information directly with people you trust. Helps with personal safety and survival. More specifically, during times of war and conflict, the Internet and telephone services not only enable the communication of information between people in difficult situations, but also allow journalists and ordinary people on the ground to report news. It will be possible.
Unfortunately, governments around the world very conscious Their power to cut off this vital lifeline and often do so Targeted efforts to do so. These internet shutdowns have become a blunt weapon for inciting state violence and inhibiting free speech, and are routinely deployed in direct violation of human rights and civil liberties.
And this is not a one-dimensional situation. Almost two decades after the world’s first total internet shutdown, this draconian measure is no longer the sole province of authoritarian states. Now a favorite A diverse collection of governments spanning three continents. for example:
in Iran, governments have suppressed access to the internet for many years. Especially here he has been for two years. Iran suffers repeated internet and social media blackouts In the wake of the activist movement that blossomed after the death of Mahsa Amini, a woman who was killed in police custody for refusing to wear a hijab. The movement has attracted global attention, and in response, the Iranian government has sought to control both public discourse and organizing efforts by banning social media and, in some cases, cutting off access to the internet entirely. I hurried.
in sudan, Authorities have imposed a complete telecommunications blackout. In the midst of a major conflict and displacement crisis. Internet shutdowns are a deliberate strategy to cut off the flow of information, making crises visible and hampering humanitarian aid to people at risk from conflict.The communication failure extended for several weeks and accordingly Global Campaign #KeepItOn It was formed to put pressure on the Sudanese government to restore public access to these vital services. Over 300 global humanitarian organizations have signed on to support #KeepItOn.
and, Palestinethe Israeli government exercise near-total control Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have experienced repeated internet blackouts by Israeli authorities, both to wired internet and to mobile phone infrastructure. The most recent power outage, which occurred in January 2024, occurred during a major disaster. widespread crackdown Amid Israeli government regulations regarding digital rights, including censorship, surveillance, and arrests; Accusations of bias and unfair censorship by social media platforms. At that time, the internet was restored due to calls from civil society and the state. including the US.as we pointed outinternet shutdowns impede residents’ ability to access and share resources and information, as well as the ability of residents and journalists to document and raise awareness about the situation on the ground. 83 journalists were killed in previous conflicts.
Given that all internet cables connecting Gaza to the outside world pass through Israel, the Israeli Ministry of Communications has the ability to easily cut off access for Palestinians. The ministry also allocates frequencies to mobile phone companies. In 2015 we I wrote about the agreement. It brought 3G to Palestinians years later than the rest of the world. In 2022, President Biden Proposes to upgrade West Bank and Gaza to 4G, but efforts stalled. Some Palestinians have been able to circumvent power outages by using Israeli SIM cards (which are difficult to obtain) or Egyptian eSIMs, but these workarounds address the larger problem of power outages that the National Security Council has called into question. is not a solution. Said:”[deprive] At the same time that people lose access to life-saving information, it also undermines the ability of first responders and other humanitarian workers to operate and operate safely. ”
access to internet infrastructure It is as essential in wartime as it is in peacetime. Given these numerous power outages, we remain concerned about the control authorities can exercise over millions of people’s ability to communicate. No matter how user platforms and internet companies change over time, it is essential that people’s access to the internet remains protected. We keep shouting this over and over again. Because we need to restate it. And unfortunately, today more than ever we see the same thing happening before our eyes.
