In the digital era, the right to access information goes hand in hand with freedom and democratic values.
However, authoritarian regimes and private sector actors in 35 countries have stepped up the use of internet blackouts as a method to control protests, free speech, and suppress information.
Five nations enacted internet blackouts related to national elections in 2022.
Last year, forced web shutdowns reportedly occurred 187 times. It set a disturbing new record and was the second year in a row deliberate internet blackouts spiked globally.
Pro-democracy protesters hold a flash mob rally to protest against Myanmar’s military-installed government, at Kyauktada township in Yangon, Myanmar, on Dec. 20, 2021. (The Canadian Press/AP div)
India accounts for the majority of the incidents, but China, Brazil, Myanmar, Russia, Cuba, and Iran are also on the list….