In 2024, a record-high number of digital blackouts occurred in Africa, as compared to any previous year in the past decade. According to a report by Access Now and the #KeepItOn coalition of civil society organizations, there were 21 instances of shut-downs in 15 African countries, surpassing the previous record of 19 shut-downs in 2020 and 2021. This pattern seems to continue worldwide, with 296 shut-downs recorded across 54 countries, compared to 283 shut-downs in 39 countries the previous year.

The causes of such shut-downs include conflicts, protests, political instability, and elections. It is important to note that telecommunication and internet service providers who shut services based on government orders are also violating people’s rights, according to the UN guiding principles on business and human rights.

Additionally, the shutdown in some regions has persisted for over a year, such as the cases in Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritius, making internet access consistently weaponized, restricted, and precarious. The trend is a matter of concern for human rights organizations, as such shutdowns disrupt communication and access to important information.

It is unfortunate that despite the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights passing a landmark resolution in March 2024, election-related shutdowns were still prevalent in Africa and other regions in 2024. However, the resolution is a positive step forward, serving as a vital resource and reference for civil society’s advocacy against rights-harming shutdowns.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/mar/09/internet-shutdowns-record-high-africa-2024-access-weaponised