Without access to the internet many citizens can’t use social media to organize protests, small business owners can’t reach customers online, and those in an emergency might not be able to request help or medical assistance. Without the internet, so many fundamental human rights are under threat.
But to crack down on dissent and control the flow of information, governments are increasingly turning to internet shutdowns, which are becoming more sophisticated and longer, according to digital rights group Access Now.
Blocking the internet doesn’t only infringe on the human right to freedom of expression and assembly, but it also harms the right to education and health, explained Natalia Krapiva, tech-legal counsel at Access Now. “I think we all learned from the COVID pandemic how essential the internet is for pretty much anything in our life,” she said, adding that there’s a need for more legislation to protect the right to the internet and against shutdowns.
Across the African continent, activists are working hard behind the scenes — and screens — to ensure their fellow citizens can access the internet.
Along with his team, Atnaf Brhane — who leads the Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy — have been focusing their research and online campaigns on informing the public about how misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech affect the online space. “One of our campaigns is focused on integrating digital literacy programs in the education curriculum, so that people who are going to school study how to access information and how to [safely] disseminate information online,” said Brhane.
To shed light on the realities behind internet shutdowns, Devex spoke to three African activists about their experience and how they are working to protect the human rights that depend on the internet.
Explore the visual story here.
Visit the Generation Why series for more coverage on how we can ensure the digital space advances the rights of all young people and leaves no one behind. You can join the conversation using the hashtags #DevexSeries on #DigitalRights.
About the authors
Natalie Donback
Natalie Donback is a freelance journalist and editor based in Barcelona, where she covers climate change, global health, and the impact of technology on communities. Previously, she was an editor and reporter at Devex, covering aid and the humanitarian sector. She holds a bachelor’s degree in development studies from Lund University and a master’s in journalism from the University of Barcelona and Columbia Journalism School.
Naomi Mihara
Naomi Mihara is an Associate Editor for Devex, working on creative and audiovisual projects. She has a background in journalism and international development, having previously served as an assistant correspondent for Japanese newspaper The Yomiuri Shimbun and as a communications officer for the International Organization for Migration in Southeast Asia. She holds a master’s degree in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University.