When army generals in Myanmar staged a
coup last week, they briefly cut internet access
in an apparent attempt to stymie protests.
In Uganda, residents couldn’t use Facebook,
Twitter and other social media for weeks after a
recent election. And in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray
region, the internet has been down for months
amid a wider conflict.
Around the world, shutting down the internet
has become an increasingly popular tactic of
repressive and authoritarian regimes and some
illiberal democracies. Digital rights groups say
governments use them to stifle dissent, silence
opposition voices or cover up human rights
abuses, raising concerns about restricting
freedom of speech.
Regimes often cut online access in response
to protests or civil unrest, particularly around
elections, as they try to keep their grip on
power by restricting the flow of information,
Image: Calito
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