Internet Shutdowns

Authorities have ordered mobile Internet services to be suspended in the Nuh district of Haryana after communal clashes. Consequent orders were issued to extend the suspension until 8, 11, and 13 August 2023. The Nuh administration said in an official statement, “In order to stop the spread of misinformation and rumors through various social media platforms, such as WhatsApp, Facebook Twitter, etc. on mobile phones and SMS, for facilitation and mobilization of mobs of agitators and demonstrators who can cause serious loss of life and damage to public and private properties by indulging in arson or vandalism and other types of violent activities." Per Wikipedia, the Nuh district (formerly known as Mewat district) is one of the 22 districts in the Indian state of Haryana. It had a population of 1.09 million in 2011. Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact the ability of citizens to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country, or in other countries.

On Monday, 31 July 2023, the Senegal Ministry of Communication, Telecommunications and the Digital Economy issued a communique stating that mobile Internet services would be "temporarily suspended" during certain unspecified hours starting on July 31. All mobile providers were ordered to comply. This follows the arrest over the weekend of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko on new charges. Earlier in June, the government of Senegal shut down access to social media services amidst nationwide protests over the sentencing of Sonko. The government of Senegal expanded the blocking of services to include TikTok on Tuesday, 2 August 2023. Over 55 civil society organizations issued a statement on 3 August 2023 calling on the government of Senegal to restore Internet access. The Internet Society's Senegal Chapter was one of the signatories. By Monday, 7 August 2023, data from Senegal indicated that mobile connectivity was restored, but users reported that TikTok continued to be blocked. Articles summarizing the situation include: Senegal is stifling its democracy in the dark - .coda Senegal authorities arrest opposition frontrunner, ban his party and cut internet - Guardian

Local authorities ordered mobile Internet services suspended in the Kaimur district following public unrest. Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact the ability of citizens to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country, or other countries.

Officials in Darbhanga District have ordered for social networking sites and instant messaging service to be blocked for 72 hours to reduce 'objectionable content' being spread amongst the public that may "incite offences and disturb the peace". The district administration took the decision to stop the Internet services under section 5 of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. Internet shutdowns during protests or civil unrest impact the ability of citizens to get accurate information from government sources when they need it most. It also becomes harder for citizens to contact family members and friends in other parts of the country, or in other countries.

Another four-hour shutdown of the Internet for everyone in Iraq on 17 July 2023, in the Iraq government's belief that this will reduce cheating during high school exams. As we have repeatedly written about here on Pulse, Internet shutdowns cause great harm to a country’s economy and society and are in our opinion NOT the appropriate mechanism to cope with potential exam cheating.

Another four-hour shutdown of the Internet for everyone in Iraq, in the Iraq government's belief that this will reduce cheating during high school exams. The shutdowns are expected to continue on 17 July 2023. As we have repeatedly written about here on Pulse, Internet shutdowns cause great harm to a country’s economy and society and are in our opinion NOT the appropriate mechanism to cope with potential exam cheating.

Another four-hour shutdown of the Internet for everyone in Iraq, in the Iraq government's belief that this will reduce cheating during high school exams. The shutdowns are expected to continue on July 15 2023. As we have repeatedly written about here on Pulse, Internet shutdowns cause great harm to a country’s economy and society, and are in our opinion NOT the appropriate mechanism to cope with potential exam cheating.

Another four-hour shutdown of the Internet for everyone in Iraq, in the Iraq government's belief that this will reduce cheating during high school exams. The shutdowns are expected to continue on July 12, 15 in 2023. As we have repeatedly written about here on Pulse, Internet shutdowns cause great harm to a country’s economy and society, and are in our opinion NOT the appropriate mechanism to cope with potential exam cheating.

Another four-hour shutdown of the Internet for everyone in Iraq, in the Iraq government's belief that this will reduce cheating during high school exams. The shutdowns are expected to continue on July 11, 12, 15 in 2023. As we have repeatedly written about here on Pulse, Internet shutdowns cause great harm to a country’s economy and society, and are in our opinion NOT the appropriate mechanism to cope with potential exam cheating.

Another four-hour shutdown of the Internet for everyone in Iraq, in the Iraq government's belief that this will reduce cheating during high school exams. The shutdowns are expected to continue on July 10, 11, 12, 15 in 2023. As we have repeatedly written about here on Pulse, Internet shutdowns cause great harm to a country’s economy and society, and are in our opinion NOT the appropriate mechanism to cope with potential exam cheating.