Addressing Challenges in Information Access: Navigating State-Imposed Internet Shutdowns in Africa
Posted: 28 June, 2024 | Author: AfricLaw | Filed under: Muhammed Bello Buhari | Tags: Access to Information, ATI, civic engagement, digital communication, digital technology, freedom of expression, fundamental human rights, ICT, information and communication technologies, information dissemination, internet, real-time information, right to access information, right to information, social media, state-imposed internet shutdowns, transparency |Leave a commentAuthor: Muhammed Bello Buhari
Digital rights activist
In Africa’s dynamic digital landscape, technology has emerged as a double-edged sword, promising to revolutionise access to information while simultaneously presenting unprecedented challenges, notably through state-imposed internet shutdowns. The delicate interplay between technology, information access, and the persistent disruptions, particularly the alarming rise of state-imposed internet shutdowns, has become a defining narrative in the continent’s quest for equitable information dissemination. This article focuses on exploring the many-sided relationship between technology and access to information, specifically addressing the intricate challenges posed by state-imposed internet shutdowns.
The Transformative Power of Technology
In today’s rapidly changing world, Africa finds itself at the forefront of a profound societal transformation, largely driven by the unprecedented growth of digital communication infrastructure and the widespread adoption of digital technology. This digital era has redefined the boundaries of fundamental human rights, such as the right to information and freedom of expression. The pervasive penetration of new and emerging information and communication technologies (ICT), including the internet, has ushered in a new era for access to information across the continent. It has empowered individuals to communicate, access, and create information, form communities of shared interests, and express themselves freely.
Technology has, without a doubt, reshaped the way societies interact with information. Its transformative power extends to enhancing transparency, promoting civic engagement, and nurturing participatory governance. In a region where information access has historically faced numerous barriers, technology offers a glimmer of hope. From the proliferation of smartphones to the increasing availability of internet connectivity, the digital age has ushered in a new era of possibilities. This transformative shift is primarily attributable to the unique characteristics of the internet. As noted by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression, the internet stands apart from all other mediums. It facilitates the rapid, cost-effective exchange of diverse information and ideas across national borders, empowering individuals to exercise their right to freedom of opinion and expression instantaneously. By enhancing these fundamental human rights, the internet acts as an “enabler” of economic, social, and political development, contributing to the advancement of humanity as a whole.
In the realm of access to information, the internet serves as a potent tool for decentralising information and diminishing institutional control. At its best, it democratises access to information and levels the playing field for information dissemination. Consequently, digital and social media platforms have emerged as both primary sources of information and influential forces shaping public perceptions. These platforms enable journalists to rapidly disseminate information to a broad audience, wielding maximum influence. Simultaneously, they provide ordinary citizens and grassroots communities with opportunities to actively participate in the news cycle. Technology has indeed emerged as a pivotal force in reshaping societies’ access to information, revolutionising transparency, and reinforcing accountability mechanisms. It offers a profound opportunity to empower citizens to access critical information and participate actively in governance processes, ultimately nurturing democratic principles.
- Transparency and Accountability: One of the paramount advantages of technology lies in its capacity to facilitate transparency. Governments, businesses, and organisations can now effortlessly disseminate vital information to the public, fostering a culture of openness and accountability. This newfound accessibility empowers citizens to scrutinise budgets, government policies, and performance reports with just a few clicks, thereby enabling them to hold institutions accountable for their actions.
- Facilitating Civic Engagement: Technology acts as a bridge connecting governments and citizens, creating a robust platform for active civic participation. Notably, social media platforms have emerged as powerful tools for mobilising citizens around important social and political issues. Movements like #ThisFlag in Zimbabwe and #EndSARS in Nigeria exemplify the vast potential of digital platforms to unite citizens and inspire positive change. Through these platforms, individuals can access real-time information, voice their concerns, and collectively advocate for societal improvements.
- Empowering Participatory Governance: The advent of various online platforms has given citizens the unprecedented opportunity to directly engage in policy formulation and decision-making processes. E-governance initiatives facilitate public consultations, enabling ordinary citizens to actively contribute to shaping policies and governance frameworks. This inclusive approach fosters a sense of ownership among citizens and bolsters the foundations of democratic principles, where access to information is a fundamental pillar.
Nevertheless, as the Special Rapporteur rightfully acknowledges, the internet is not without its drawbacks. Like any technological invention, it can be misused to harm others. While a substantial portion of journalism now unfolds online and in the largely unregulated sphere of social media, Africa has not become a safer space for access to information. While information can now swiftly reach a broader audience, disruptions like state-imposed internet shutdowns remain unabated in the digital age. So, as we celebrate the numerous advantages of technology in fostering access to information, it is crucial to remain aware of its vulnerabilities, particularly in the face of disruptions that can severely impede information access and curtail civic discourse.
State-Imposed Internet Shutdowns
The downside of Africa’s digital revolution comes in the form of network disruptions, with state-imposed internet shutdowns taking center stage as a significant impediment to information access and free expression. While disruptions decreased across Africa, authorities continued to weaponise internet shutdowns against millions of people and communities. In 2022, authorities shut down the internet across Africa in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Somaliland, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, as reported by Access Now. The biggest offenders were Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone, both of which shutdown the internet twice, impacting the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in these countries.
The situation did not improve in 2023. Surfshark conducted a comprehensive analysis of internet shutdowns for the year 2023, utilising data from the Internet Shutdown Tracker. In 2023, the situation regarding internet shutdowns continued to be concerning. According to Surfshark’s comprehensive analysis, a total of 76 new instances of internet restrictions were recorded across the globe. This marked an increase from previous years, with 22 countries imposing these restrictions. Notably, Africa ranked second in terms of online shutdowns, with 10 African countries responsible for 17 new cases, affecting a total of 330 million people. Among these, Senegal, Ethiopia, Guinea, and Mauritania were among the countries with the most internet freedom violations, each imposing restrictions multiple times throughout the year. These shutdowns, often justified under the pretext of maintaining national security or public order, have far-reaching consequences, impacting citizens’ ability to access information and stifling freedom of expression. Moving into 2024, the challenges persist, with 55 instances of internet restrictions carrying over from the previous year. These ongoing restrictions, predominantly targeting social media platforms, underscore the enduring efforts of oppressive governments to control information flow and suppress dissent. In Asia and Africa, where a majority of these ongoing cases are observed, social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube remain restricted in countries like Pakistan and Ethiopia, while mobile data restrictions persist in certain regions of India. Despite international scrutiny, governments continue to utilise internet shutdowns as a means to maintain power and curb dissent, highlighting the importance of monitoring online censorship and advocating for digital rights worldwide.
Internet shutdowns have an immediate and direct impact on citizens’ ability to access information. When governments flick the switch, information sources are silenced, leaving the public in the dark. This curtailment of information flow disrupts everyday life, hampers economic activities, and stifles social and political discourse. From the citizens who would not have access to information because of the dead air caused by the closure of 79 radio stations by Guinea-Bissau’s government nationwide in April 2022 to the young woman whose innovation may never see the light of day because internet services were disrupted while trying to submit her entry; the list of possible implications is endless, and no one is immune to the detrimental effects of shutdowns.
Strategies for Mitigation and Resilience
The world is still searching for solutions to state-imposed internet shutdowns. In Africa, civil society groups have explored avenues such as litigation to make governments accountable for internet disruptions in their territories. The available evidence shows that these efforts are yet to have the desired effect on government behavior.
The good news is that more citizens are becoming citizen journalists, and more citizens will get online and become aware of the opportunities with free access to information. Also, attempts to limit access to information through disruptions will yield less and less results. When Uganda and Zimbabwe shut down the internet, the information they tried to keep under wraps exploded because it is impossible to limit free speech in the age of circumvention and resilient networks. The same resilience was demonstrated in Nigeria when it banned Twitter; citizens utilised other social media platforms to continue sharing and receiving information.
However, addressing the challenges posed by disruptions requires a multi-stakeholder approach. Governments, civil society organisations, and international actors must work collaboratively to safeguard information access in the digital age. Even though there are many strategies for mitigation— and the toolset continues to grow, here are some strategies for mitigation and resilience:
- Run campaigns and coalitions: Domestic campaigns can be effective in calling the government to account for a state-imposed internet shutdown. This may be easier when a shutdown is regional, allowing coordinated campaigns by groups in other parts of the country. For example, initiatives like Access Now’s #KeepItOn campaign/coalition and Paradigm Initiative’s #NetRights coalitions and campaigns in Africa.
- Legal Frameworks and Strategic Litigation: Strengthening legal frameworks that protect freedom of expression and information access and enforcing laws that limit the arbitrary use of state-imposed internet shutdowns and ensure transparency in decision-making processes. Strategic litigation is another powerful tool to fight internet shutdowns. For example, Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition is using legal cases to fight internet shutdowns around the world. Examples include their legal interventions at national and regional courts against shutdowns ordered in Cameroon and Togo.
- Digital Literacy: Promoting digital literacy among citizens through educating the public about their digital citizenship, digital rights, and the tools available to circumvent censorship empowers them to stay informed even in the face of disruptions. Initiatives such as Digital Grassroots‘ Internet Literacy Course and Advocacy Assembly‘s Shutdown Academy serve as exemplary models, providing comprehensive education and practical tools to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the digital landscape effectively.
- International Pressure: Engage in international advocacy efforts to pressure governments that impose state-imposed internet shutdowns. Diplomatic channels, regional organisations, and international institutions can play pivotal roles in condemning such actions.
- Network Resilience: Invest in network infrastructure to enhance resilience against state-imposed internet shutdowns. Developing robust, decentralised networks can minimise the impact of shutdowns and ensure that critical services remain accessible.
- Alternate Communication Channels: Encourage the development and use of alternative communication channels, such as mesh networks and offline messaging apps, that can operate during shutdowns.
Conclusion
As Africa continues its digital transformation journey, the intricate relationship between technology and information access, with a specific focus on state-imposed internet shutdowns, remains a critical concern. Efforts to strike a balance between harnessing the potential of technology and safeguarding the fundamental right to access information are essential for Africa’s continued growth and development in the digital age. The strategies outlined above, designed to address the challenges posed by state-imposed internet shutdowns, coupled with the resilience of an increasingly informed citizenry, offer a pathway forward. Despite the challenges posed by state-imposed internet shutdowns, the ability of individuals to adapt, circumvent, and continue the flow of information underscores the indomitable spirit of free expression in the face of adversity. In closing, there’s a need to navigate the complexities of the digital age, recognising both the promises and perils of technology, as Africa seeks to foster a robust, inclusive, and resilient information landscape specifically in the context of state-imposed internet shutdowns.
About the Author:
Muhammed Bello Buhari is a digital rights activist, award-winning fact-checker, and researcher in multiple fields within digital rights, internet governance, disinformation, and media freedom ecosystems. Muhammed Bello has a keen interest in the intersection of human rights, social justice, and technology. In his role as the Advocacy and Administrative Lead at Digital Grassroots, he spearheads the organisation’s advocacy efforts, driving initiatives to promote digital rights and combat online censorship, and also represents Digital Grassroots at global platforms such as the #KeepItOn Coalition and the #NetRights Coalition, advocating for an open and inclusive internet for all. Muhammed Bello’s dedication to advancing digital rights has been recognised through multiple prestigious fellowships, including the Advocacy Assembly’s Internet Shutdown Activism Fellowship and the Digispace Africa Research Fellowship. He is also a recipient of the Innocent Chukwuma Social Impact Fellowship for Human Rights Activists at the prestigious Lagos Business School. Currently, Muhammed Bello is actively engaged in the International Republican Institute’s flagship Fortifying Internet Freedom & Digital Security Program, further expanding his expertise in safeguarding digital freedoms and promoting online safety.