Internet Shutdowns in Africa Surge, Threatening Digital Freedoms
A concerning trend has emerged across Africa: the frequency of internet shutdowns has significantly increased since 2016. New research reveals that over 190 internet blackouts have occurred across 41 African nations between 2016 and 2024, highlighting a growing threat to digital rights and freedoms. These disruptions, increasingly employed by governments, have severe consequences for millions across the continent, impacting essential aspects of life.
A Decade of Digital Disruption
The data paints a grim picture. Shutdowns, which restrict access to the internet and related services, have escalated dramatically. Starting from 14 recorded shutdowns in 2016, the number nearly doubled, reaching 28 in 2024. The African Digital Rights Network, whose research is featured in the book “Internet Shutdowns in Africa,” documented this disturbing rise. The study emphasizes that certain countries have been disproportionately affected. Ethiopia leads the list with 30 shutdowns, followed by Sudan with 21, and Algeria with 14, illustrating a pattern of internet restrictions in specific regions.
These shutdowns can be devastating, cutting off communication, hindering access to vital information and services like education and healthcare, and suppressing political participation. Researchers point to the growing use of internet blackouts by governments as a tool to quell dissent and consolidate power, raising critical concerns about digital authoritarianism across the continent.
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