The #NoExamShutdown campaign, a joint initiative by Access Now, SMEX, and the Internet Society, continues its steadfast commitment to advocate against the practice of Internet shutdowns during and around national exams.
Our mission is to ensure that people and communities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and beyond have uninterrupted access to the online resources vital for their daily lives and livelihoods.
Internet shutdowns during exams are a disproportionate and ineffective measure to prevent cheating. By restricting access to the Internet, governments not only disrupt essential services but also create a culture of fear and uncertainty. The negative impact of these shutdowns extends far beyond the exam period, normalizing the idea that Internet access is a privilege that can be revoked at any time.
In 2024, the #NoExamShutdown campaign built upon the knowledge and experience gained in previous years. We sent open letters to decision-makers in Syria, Iraq, and Jordan highlighting the detrimental consequences of Internet shutdowns and urging them to adopt more effective and equitable solutions.
Despite these efforts, we witnessed 83 exam-related shutdowns, slightly more than the 75 we tracked in 2023.
Iraq again led all others, enforcing 46 exam-related shutdowns, nine fewer than the 55 we recorded in 2023. We recorded a significant increase in the number of exam-related shutdown events in Syria and the first instance of exam-related shutdown events in Mauritania. This growth in Internet shutdowns underscores the urgent need for continued advocacy and awareness-raising.
As we move forward, we remain committed to exposing the negative impact of Internet shutdowns and advocating for a more open and accessible Internet. We will continue to work tirelessly to promote a better understanding of the detrimental consequences of these practices and to build a strong coalition of like-minded organizations and individuals toward an open Internet for everyone.
By joining forces and raising our voices, we can collectively challenge the normalization of Internet shutdowns and pave the way for a future where everyone can enjoy the benefits of an open and accessible Internet without fear of disruption.
Stay tuned for further 2024 Internet Shutdown analysis.