Stories about Access
Will Uganda shut down the internet as opposition heats up for 2021 elections?
As the 2021 election approaches, Uganda authorities are very likely to continue to crack down on political dissent, including through social media shutdowns.
Iran’s drive to block international services continues with Google Play ban
The decision to block Google Play is consistent with the authorities' strategy to foist home-grown Iranian apps and services on Iranian internet users and limit the availability of international services.
India partially lifts communications blackout in Kashmir, internet still down
According to a recent report, Kashmiris are resisting the clampdowns and shutdowns imposed by the Indian Central Government “through satyagraha or non-violent civil disobedience”.
Internet shutdowns and the right to access in Sudan: A post-revolution perspective
In response to a five-week long shutdown, a court ordered telecommunications companies to apologise to customers.
Netizen Report: Malicious attack takes Wikipedia offline
This week, Wikipedia went dark, Raul Castro got kicked off Twitter and the internet finally came back to Papua.
Netizen Report: Two years after fleeing military attacks in Myanmar, Rohingya refugees face mobile blackout in Bangladesh
Refugees lose mobile access in Bangladesh, a Hong Kong web forum weathers a DDoS attack, and Turkey expands internet regulations.
Bangladesh cuts access to mobile phone services for the Rohingya
The Bangladeshi government has ordered telecommunications companies to block cell phone access at Rohingya camps, on the pretext of protecting ‘national security.’
Netizen Report: Critic calls Indonesia’s provincial internet shutdown ‘racist’
Indonesia's regional internet shutdown continues, YouTube blocks 210 channels over suspected links to China and Tonga threatens to block Facebook.
Netizen Report: The shutdown in Kashmir continues
Kashmir's communications blackout continues, Russia goes after 'illegal' protest videos online, and Google re-opens its office in Egypt.
Mozambique pushes for SIM card registration, raising privacy and election monitoring concerns
The measure would make it easier for the authorities to identify the owners of registered SIM cards.
Tonga threatens to ban Facebook over anti-monarchy posts
"By trying to impose a ban the government will simply make itself look foolish or ineffective."
Who turned off Moscow’s internet during recent protests?
Evidence suggests that law enforcement agencies pressured mobile network operators to get part of the capital offline for the duration of the protests.
What do Zimbabwe’s internet disruptions say about the state of digital rights in the country?
Government officials have repeatedly described access to social media as a potential threat, hinting that more disruptions would not be ruled out in the future.
Netizen Report: Conflict triggers internet shutdowns in Mauritania, Myanmar and Ethiopia (again)
Struggles for political power in Myanmar, Mauritania and Ethiopia led to widespread shutdowns of internet services this week.
Netizen Report: Lawyers seek court challenge against Ethio Telecom over internet shutdown
Pakistani bloggers face threats for online speech, Algeria shuts down social media and Indonesian police say they’re "cyber patrolling" WhatsApp.
Indonesia’s post-election riots led to free speech violations
"While we understand the government’s intention to stop the distribution of false information and protect the public, the decision has also inadvertently restricted public’s access to factual information."
Netizen Report: Amid demonstrations for democracy, Sudanese civilians face military violence — and internet shutdowns
From Kazakhstan to Khartoum to Hong Kong, protests brought internet shutdowns and online attacks this week.
Right to Information: With its new law in place, will Ghana go the way of Nigeria?
Nearly two dozen African countries have passed Right to Information laws. But while strong in principle, many have faltered in practice.
Netizen Report: Widespread throttling puts social media out of reach in Kazakhstan
Social media is faltering in Venezuela, throttled in Kazakhstan and back in action in Sri Lanka.
Netizen Report: If protecting your privacy is ‘part of a conspiracy,’ then we’re all in big trouble
Digital privacy tools draw suspicion in the US and Ecuador, India tackles Tiktok, and a Chinese man learns that facial recognition works -- even while you’re sleeping.