In 2016, the world saw an alarming rise in government-ordered internet shutdowns, with over 50 instances documented globally. This marked a sharp increase from the 20 shutdowns reported the previous year. These shutdowns, often imposed during politically sensitive periods such as elections, have become a tool for governments to control the narrative, suppress dissent, and undermine democratic processes. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind these shutdowns, their impact on elections and democracy, the economic and social costs, and the legal and ethical ramifications of such actions.
Governments often justify internet shutdowns for several reasons, though these explanations are frequently viewed as pretexts to suppress free speech and limit political opposition. Some of the commonly cited reasons include:
Preventing the Spread of Misinformation: During election periods, governments may claim that shutting down the internet is necessary to prevent the spread of “fake news” that could influence voters. However, this justification is often a cover for limiting access to alternative viewpoints and controlling the flow of information.
Stopping Protesters from Organizing: In many countries, internet access allows activists and opposition groups to organize protests and demonstrations. By shutting down the internet, governments can disrupt these movements and prevent the spread of dissenting ideas.
Citing National Security Concerns: Governments often claim that internet shutdowns are necessary to protect national security during times of unrest. However, such actions are frequently viewed as disproportionate measures that restrict civil liberties.
Limiting Criticism of the Government: Internet shutdowns can prevent opposition parties, activists, and citizens from criticizing government policies, especially during election campaigns.
Preventing Cheating in Exams: Some governments have even shut down the internet during national school exams to prevent students from cheating, although this is a relatively minor justification compared to the more common political motivations.
Despite these justifications, internet shutdowns are often seen as tactics used by governments to consolidate power, restrict freedom of expression, and stifle democratic processes.
Internet shutdowns during elections have profound consequences for the integrity of democratic processes. These disruptions can have several far-reaching effects:
Restricted Access to Information: Citizens are unable to access critical information about candidates, policies, and voting procedures. Without access to online news sources, social media platforms, or independent media, voters may go to the polls uninformed or misinformed, limiting their ability to make educated decisions.
Hindering Election Monitoring: Shutdowns prevent journalists, election observers, and civil society organizations from monitoring the electoral process. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to detect and report fraud or other irregularities, undermining the credibility of the election.
Disruption of Voter Mobilization: Political parties and candidates rely heavily on the internet to mobilize voters, especially opposition groups that may not have access to traditional media. Shutdowns disproportionately affect these groups, impeding their ability to communicate with supporters and organize campaigns.
Real-Time Reporting Obstructed: Media outlets and journalists are unable to report on election-day events in real-time. This leaves voters and the global community in the dark about developments such as voter turnout, potential irregularities, or incidents of violence.
Interference with Election Infrastructure: In some cases, shutdowns have disrupted electronic voting systems and biometric voter identification processes. For example, during Uganda’s 2016 election, the government shut down the internet, which severely disrupted biometric voter identification systems, leading to delays and confusion at polling stations.
Deepened Distrust in the Democratic Process: When governments shut down the internet during elections, it often leads to heightened distrust in the electoral process. Such actions are perceived as attempts by incumbent regimes to manipulate the outcome, undermining the legitimacy of the election and potentially sparking post-election violence.
The cumulative impact of these effects undermines the very foundation of democratic governance, eroding trust in the electoral process and weakening democratic institutions.
The impact of internet shutdowns extends beyond the political sphere, carrying significant economic and social costs. A report from 2016 estimated that internet shutdowns resulted in global economic losses of $2.4 billion. These disruptions can affect businesses, impede communication in emergency situations, and lead to a host of other issues:
Economic Losses: Shutdowns disrupt online businesses, financial transactions, and communication, leading to significant losses in productivity. Countries with heavy reliance on internet-powered businesses, such as e-commerce, experience substantial hits to their economies.
Slowdown of Emergency Communications: In some cases, internet shutdowns have hampered emergency services by delaying communications between first responders, such as police and firefighters. This can exacerbate crises and lead to greater human and material losses.
Human Rights Violations Go Unreported: Internet shutdowns prevent citizens from documenting and reporting human rights abuses in real-time. During periods of political unrest, this can lead to widespread violations going unnoticed by the international community.
These costs highlight the broader societal implications of internet shutdowns, which often extend far beyond the political motivations behind them.
The trend of internet shutdowns has continued to escalate. By 2023, governments around the world had implemented 124 shutdowns, affecting millions of people. Regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia are particularly vulnerable to election-related shutdowns. While most shutdowns occur in authoritarian regimes, even democratic countries have flirted with the idea, although public backlash has often prevented their implementation.
In response to this growing threat, international organizations and civil society groups have ramped up efforts to combat internet shutdowns:
The Freedom Online Coalition: This group, consisting of 38 governments, has condemned the use of internet shutdowns during elections, calling them a violation of fundamental democratic rights.
Digital Rights Organizations: Groups such as Access Now have played a crucial role in documenting internet shutdowns and advocating against their use. They work with local activists and international bodies to raise awareness and apply pressure on governments that engage in these practices.
International Pressure: Some governments have faced significant international pressure to refrain from implementing shutdowns. In certain cases, this pressure has been successful in preventing or reversing such actions.
Despite these efforts, the number of shutdowns continues to rise, making it clear that more coordinated international action is needed to combat this growing trend.
Internet shutdowns during elections are not only undemocratic but also violate international human rights laws. Several legal frameworks and resolutions explicitly condemn such actions:
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR): Article 25(b) of the ICCPR protects the right to participate in elections. Internet shutdowns that hinder citizens’ ability to vote and participate in the democratic process are seen as violations of this right.
United Nations Resolutions: A 2016 UN resolution urges states to refrain from implementing internet shutdowns, affirming that human rights apply online as well as offline.
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR): In 2016, the ACHPR passed a resolution condemning internet shutdowns during elections and protests, calling for governments to respect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
Courts in some countries have also ruled against internet shutdowns. For example, in 2020, the ECOWAS Court of Justice ruled that Togo’s government had violated the law by shutting down the internet during protests in 2017. Similar legal challenges have been mounted in other countries, offering hope that the tide may be turning against the use of this repressive tool.
One of the most concerning effects of internet shutdowns is their potential to depress voter turnout. By restricting access to information and disrupting voter mobilization efforts, shutdowns can make it more difficult for citizens to participate in elections.
Access to Information: Voters rely on the internet to access information about candidates, political platforms, and voting procedures. When access to this information is cut off, some may feel discouraged from voting or may cast uninformed ballots.
Logistical Challenges: In some cases, shutdowns have led to technical failures at polling stations, causing long delays and frustration among voters. These delays can result in lower turnout as voters abandon polling stations without casting their ballots.
Disruption of Campaigns: Shutdowns disproportionately affect opposition parties and smaller political groups that rely heavily on the internet for campaigning and voter mobilization. This can lead to a significant drop in support for these parties and lower voter turnout among their supporters.
Economic Impact: The economic disruptions caused by internet shutdowns can also affect voter sentiment, particularly if the shutdowns result in job losses or other financial hardships. This can further discourage participation in the electoral process.
As the use of internet shutdowns becomes more prevalent, there is an urgent need for concerted efforts to prevent their occurrence, particularly during elections. Several measures can be taken to curb this undemocratic practice:
International Cooperation: Governments, international organizations, and civil society groups must work together to establish norms and legal frameworks that protect internet access during elections. Diplomatic pressure and international sanctions can be effective tools in deterring governments from resorting to shutdowns.
Strengthening Legal Protections: Countries must implement robust legal frameworks that recognize internet access as a fundamental right. This would make it more difficult for governments to justify shutdowns under the guise of national security or other pretexts.
Technological Solutions: The development and use of technologies such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), mesh networks, and satellite internet can help citizens circumvent shutdowns and maintain access to information during critical periods.
Public Awareness and Advocacy: Raising awareness about the dangers of internet shutdowns is crucial in building public resistance to their use. Civil society organizations play a key role in educating citizens and advocating for their digital rights.
Internet shutdowns represent a growing threat to democracy and free speech. Their use during elections undermines the transparency and fairness of the democratic process, restricting citizens’ access to information and impeding political participation. As shutdowns continue to rise globally, it is essential for the international community to take a firm stand against this repressive tactic. By strengthening legal protections, enhancing public awareness, and fostering international cooperation, we can work towards a future where internet access is safeguarded, and democratic processes are upheld.
