As we continue to navigate an increasingly interconnected world, the role of technology in shaping our daily lives has become more significant than ever before. However, with the power and potential of technology also comes the possibility of misuse and abuse, as we have seen in recent years with the rise of internet shutdowns. These events have severe consequences, disrupting communication, stifling free speech, and hindering the progress of entire societies. Against this backdrop, I had the pleasure of speaking with a woman who is on the front lines of the fight against internet shutdowns. Felicia Anthonio is the #KeepItOn Campaign Manager at Access Now – a global human rights organization. The #KeepItOn campaign unites over 300 organizations around the world to fight against internet shutdown. She is a Ghanaian based in Accra. A true force to be reckoned with, she is as smart as a whip and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the intersection of technology and human society. In this interview, I delved into her thoughts on internet shutdowns, the challenges she faces, and the progress being made in this critical area.
Q : How do you think internet shutdowns disproportionately impact marginalized communities?
A : As someone who works at the intersection of technology and human society, I have seen firsthand how internet shutdowns disproportionately impact marginalized communities. These communities often rely heavily on the internet to access information and services that are essential for their daily lives, including information on reproductive health. When an internet shutdown occurs, these individuals may find themselves cut off from the resources they need to survive and thrive, perpetuating existing inequalities.
Moreover, internet shutdowns can have a chilling effect on free speech and democratic participation, further disenfranchising marginalized communities. Governments often use these events as a tool for suppressing dissent and controlling the flow of information, which violates the right to freedom of expression and undermines democratic participation.
Internet shutdowns also violate the right to access information, which is essential for individuals to make informed decisions, participate in public life, and hold those in power accountable. When governments shut down the internet, they deprive individuals of this essential right, which can have far-reaching consequences for their lives and their ability to participate in society.
In my work, I have seen the devastating impacts of internet shutdowns on individuals, particularly those who rely on the internet to access information on reproductive health and other essential services. It is essential that we work to protect these rights and ensure that everyone has equal and unfettered access to the resources and information they need to thrive. We must recognize that internet shutdowns not only violate fundamental human rights but also perpetuate existing inequalities, and we must work to prevent them from happening in the future.“
Q; What kind of advocacy strategies have you found to be most effective in raising awareness about internet shutdowns?
A: The most effective strategy will be awareness in itself, the use of documentation and monitoring to track these shutdowns and raise awareness. When people are made aware of the negative impacts of internet shutdowns on marginalized communities and the violation of fundamental human rights, they can generate public support for efforts to prevent them from occurring in the future. Documenting and monitoring internet shutdowns can also be a powerful tool for holding governments accountable for their actions and raising awareness about the issue.
Another effective strategy for addressing internet shutdowns is strategic litigation. Providing amicus briefs and other legal support can help to ensure that governments are held accountable for their actions and that individuals are able to seek justice for the harms they have suffered. For example, we have seen a number of court rulings denouncing internet shutdowns as an affront to freedom of expression. Last year, civil society welcomed a landmark ruling by the ECOWAS Court which declared the government-mandated Twitter blocking in Nigeria unlawful.
Engagement with governments is also a powerful strategy for preventing internet shutdowns from occurring in the first place. By working directly with governments and other stakeholders, we can help to ensure that policies are put in place to prevent internet shutdowns and that individuals are able to access the information and services they need to thrive. For example, we engage with governments and key actors under the #KeepItOn Election Watch campaign to prevent election-related shutdowns from happening. We have seen some successes in countries like The Gambia (2021/22), Benin (2021), Kenya (August 2022), and even in Ghana in 2016. In conclusion, the most effective advocacy strategies for raising awareness about internet shutdowns include increasing public awareness, documenting and monitoring these events, strategic litigation, and engagement with governments. The international community also has a crucial role to play in the fight to #KeepitOn. By working together to prevent these events from occurring and to hold governments accountable for their actions, we can ensure that everyone has equal and unfettered access to the resources and information they need to thrive in today’s digital world.
Q: In your opinion, what is the most important action that needs to be taken to combat internet shutdowns and ensure access to a free and open internet for all?
A: The most important action that needs to be taken to combat internet shutdowns and ensure access to a free and open internet for all is for governments to stop imposing them. But as shutdowns continue to spread, we need to join forces to bring them to light by naming and shaming perpetrators of these rights-harming acts. Internet shutdowns are counterproductive because they not only violate fundamental human rights but also amplify misinformation and disinformation and disrupt people’s lives. Governments should also engage in dialogue with civil society and other stakeholders to ensure that their actions are aligned with human rights standards. Moreover, it is important to recognize that internet shutdowns are just one tool in a larger arsenal of tactics used by governments to control information and suppress dissent. To combat internet shutdowns effectively, we must address the root causes of these tactics, such as authoritarianism, corruption, and a lack of accountability. Ultimately, ensuring access to a free, open and secure internet for all requires a multi-stakeholder approach that involves governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals. By working together, we can build a more resilient and inclusive internet that upholds human rights and enables everyone to participate in society. Internet shutdowns are disproportionate and a form of collective punishment that can NEVER be justified.
Interacting with Felicia has been an insightful one. She shed light on the devastating impacts of internet shutdowns on marginalized communities and the urgent need to combat this practice. Her insights have highlighted the importance of upholding fundamental human rights, and advancing multi-stakeholder approaches in ensuring access to a free, open and secure internet for all. Internet access was cut off 187 times in 35 countries — the largest number of countries ever recorded in —in 2022, according to Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition’s new report: Weapons of control, shields of impunity: Internet shutdowns in 2022. This is the second year the count has risen after falling off dramatically in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we move forward, it is essential that we heed her words and take action to protect our fundamental human rights and ensure that everyone has equal and unfettered access to the internet. We must work to prevent internet shutdowns, promote transparency and accountability, and foster a more inclusive and resilient internet that upholds the values of democracy and human rights. Together, we can build a better future for all.
By Osei Manu Kagyah
The writer works at the nexus of society and humans as a Tech Policy Advocate and Analyst.
Email Kagyahosei@outlook.com