Arr, me hearties! Internet be off limits in 20 African lands durin' elections since 2015, savvy?
2023-09-20
Arr, ye scurvy VPN service, Surfshark, be keepin' an eye on the situation to "forge international pressure." Here be what ye salty internet users can do to outwit them pesky restrictions.
According to Surfshark's latest data, over a third of African countries have restricted internet access during elections since 2015. This is concerning considering citizens in Africa have also been kept in the dark during protests and national exams. Internet service degradation was recorded in Zimbabwe and Gabon during recent elections, and now four more African countries are scheduled to hold elections in the upcoming months.Governments, particularly autocracies, may restrict social media platforms and internet data to avoid public demonstrations and prevent organizers from promoting protests among citizens. Africa remains the second most affected continent by internet restrictions, with 8 out of 10 Africans having experienced some form of internet restriction.
Internet shutdowns not only impact democratic processes and people's rights to free speech and access to information, but they also have a significant economic impact. In 2022, these measures cost the global economy a record $10 billion.
A reliable VPN can help citizens bypass government-imposed restrictions and access the open internet. VPNs encrypt data and spoof users' IP addresses, making them appear as if they are browsing from a different country. Increasingly, people in and out of Africa have been turning to VPNs to access the internet during restrictions. Additionally, tools like the Tor browser and censorship-resistant apps can also be helpful.
To prepare for potential internet shutdowns, Surfshark recommends getting satellite internet and international SIM cards. They have also created a Digital Survival Kit in collaboration with NetBlocks to help people deal with government-imposed internet restrictions.