Tanzania’s Internet Shutdown: A Warning Sign for Digital Rights in Africa?

Tanzania’s recent six-day internet shutdown following its disputed October election, and President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s first public comments on the matter, have ignited a crucial debate about digital rights, government control, and the future of internet access in Africa. While Hassan expressed “sympathy” for disruptions experienced by diplomats and foreigners, the incident underscores a growing trend of governments leveraging internet shutdowns as a tool for political control, particularly during periods of unrest.

The Rise of Internet Shutdowns: A Global and African Trend

Tanzania isn’t alone. According to Access Now, a digital rights organization, there were at least 37 internet shutdowns globally in 2023, with a significant number occurring in Africa. Countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, and Nigeria have all experienced prolonged internet blackouts in recent years, often coinciding with elections or protests. A 2022 report by the Cost of Shutdowns toolkit estimated that internet shutdowns cost the global economy $33.28 billion.

These shutdowns aren’t simply inconveniences. They stifle freedom of expression, hinder access to information, disrupt economic activity, and can even endanger lives. During the Tanzanian shutdown, reports emerged of difficulties accessing essential services and coordinating aid efforts in the wake of post-election violence, where hundreds are believed to have died.

Beyond Elections: Expanding Justifications for Control

Initially, internet shutdowns were largely associated with elections. However, governments are increasingly citing broader justifications, including national security, preventing the spread of misinformation, and maintaining public order. This expansion of rationale is concerning, as it creates a slippery slope where authorities can arbitrarily restrict access to information based on vaguely defined threats.

For example, in 2021, Uganda shut down the internet for five days during its presidential election, citing national security concerns. Critics argued this was a deliberate attempt to suppress opposition voices and prevent the dissemination of election results. Similarly, in 2020, Nigeria imposed restrictions on social media platforms like Twitter following protests against police brutality, claiming they were being used to coordinate violence.

The Economic Impact: More Than Just Lost Tweets

The economic consequences of internet shutdowns are substantial. Beyond the immediate disruption to businesses that rely on online transactions, shutdowns impact sectors like tourism, finance, and agriculture. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of many African economies, are particularly vulnerable.

A study by Top10VPN found that the internet shutdown in Ethiopia in 2021 cost the country an estimated $300 million. The disruption to financial transactions, supply chains, and communication networks had a cascading effect on the economy. This highlights the fact that internet access is no longer a luxury, but a critical infrastructure for economic development.

Tanzania’s Commission of Inquiry: A Step in the Right Direction?

President Hassan’s establishment of a commission of inquiry into the post-election violence is a positive step. However, the commission’s mandate must include a thorough investigation into the internet shutdown itself, its justification, and its impact on citizens’ rights. Transparency and accountability are crucial to rebuilding trust and preventing future abuses.

Pro Tip: Advocacy groups like the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) are actively monitoring digital rights violations across the region. Supporting their work can help raise awareness and promote policy changes.

The Role of International Pressure and Regional Cooperation

International pressure can play a vital role in holding governments accountable for internet shutdowns. Organizations like the United Nations and the African Union should condemn these practices and urge member states to uphold their commitments to freedom of expression and access to information.

Regional cooperation is also essential. African countries can learn from each other’s experiences and develop best practices for managing online content while respecting human rights. The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has issued guidelines on freedom of expression and access to information online, but these guidelines need to be more effectively implemented.

Future Trends: What to Expect

Several trends are likely to shape the future of internet access in Africa:

• Increased Sophistication of Shutdown Tactics: Governments may employ more targeted and sophisticated shutdown tactics, such as throttling specific social media platforms or blocking access to certain websites, rather than implementing complete internet blackouts.
• Rise of “Digital Sovereignty” Arguments: Governments will increasingly invoke the concept of “digital sovereignty” to justify greater control over the internet, arguing that they have the right to regulate online content and protect their national interests.
• Growing Demand for Digital Rights Advocacy: Civil society organizations and digital rights activists will continue to play a crucial role in advocating for internet freedom and holding governments accountable.
• Expansion of Alternative Internet Infrastructure: The development of alternative internet infrastructure, such as community networks and mesh networks, could provide a more resilient and decentralized internet access option, less susceptible to government control.

Did you know? The African Union Convention on Cyber Security and Protection of Personal Data, adopted in 2014, aims to harmonize cybersecurity laws across the continent. However, concerns remain that some provisions could be used to justify restrictions on freedom of expression.

FAQ

Q: What is internet throttling?
A: Internet throttling is the intentional slowing down of internet speeds by an internet service provider (ISP). It can be used to limit access to certain websites or applications.

Q: Is an internet shutdown legal?
A: Under international human rights law, any restrictions on freedom of expression, including internet shutdowns, must be necessary and proportionate to achieve a legitimate aim. Blanket shutdowns are generally considered unlawful.

Q: What can individuals do to protect their digital rights?
A: Individuals can use VPNs to encrypt their internet traffic, support digital rights organizations, and advocate for policies that protect internet freedom.

Want to learn more about digital rights in Africa? Explore Access Now’s resources and visit the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) website. Share your thoughts on this critical issue in the comments below!