Internet Shutdowns

Beginning on Thursday, 17 May 2023, there were many reports of blockage of some social media sites and messaging services during a period of large protests by opposition parties against the ruling junta government. The government of Guinea has denied any blocking, but press organizations in Guinea noted their lack of access. Measurements by the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI) showed issues connecting to specific social media sites and messaging services. On 22 May 2023, analysis by OONI indicated that this blocking seems to be happening by interference with Transport Layer Security (TLS) connections.

Further measurements from OONI showed that most of the affected messaging services began having connectivity restored beginning around 23 May, with the last, Signal, have connectivity restored by 30 May.

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.