Every year, millions across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region face significant disruptions due to internet shutdowns imposed by governments during national secondary and high school exams. These shutdowns, allegedly aimed at preventing students from cheating, are not only ineffective but have a far-reaching impact on everyday life, affecting businesses, communication, and access to essential services online. The #NoExamShutdown campaign is dedicated to combating this rights-violating practice and advocating for free and open internet access for all.
What happened last year
In 2024, Access Now, the Internet Society (ISOC), and SMEX continued building efforts for the #NoExamShutdown campaign to ensure that people and communities in MENA and beyond have uninterrupted access to online resources essential for their daily activities and livelihoods, at all times. Despite civil society’s best efforts, school exams remain among the top triggers for shutdowns in the region — with authorities shutting down the internet 10 times across five countries in 2024. Iraq implemented shutdowns during five exam periods, while Jordan took a step backward by blocking messaging apps. Though Iran and Sudan refrained from this practice, conflict in Sudan prevented around 400,000 students from safely attending exams.
Outside the region, Kenya and India continued to employ exam-related shutdowns in 2024. Kenya restricted Telegram for three weeks, while India imposed five shutdowns, reemphasizing that more and more countries are resorting to cutting off internet access during exam periods, and action is needed now more than ever! Join us in demanding open and secure access to the internet and an end to exam-related shutdowns!
COUNTRIES WE’RE WATCHING
Algeria
Since 2016, Algerian authorities have repeatedly resorted to internet shutdowns during exam periods, justifying these disruptive actions under the guise of securing the exams. Year after year, these shutdowns have adversely affected individuals and businesses, leading to widespread frustration and economic losses. Yet authorities continue to implement internet shutdowns during exam periods, disregarding people’s fundamental rights.
Last year, authorities flipped the kill switch for five days, from June 11 to 15. This year, we’re continuing to push back. Here are the dates we’re monitoring for the exams:
Baccalaureate Exams: 11 June – 15 June, 2023
Join us in demanding that Algerian authorities safeguard the rights and access of all citizens during vital exam periods.
IRAQ
Since at least 2015, the Iraqi government has implemented internet shutdowns during exams, thereby impacting people across the country.
In 2023, the Ministry of Communication initially rejected a request to shut down the internet during exams; a decision we welcomed. However, we were disappointed when the Ministry of Education pushed back and eventually received approval during the Iraqi cabinet meeting to proceed with shutting down the internet. This resulted in multiple disruptions in June, July, August, and September of last year, despite our letter urging Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudanito to #KeepItOn during exams.
We will continue to call for an end to this practice. Here are the upcoming exam periods this year:
Final exams: May 12 to June 8, 2024
Join us in demanding that authorities in Iraq safeguard the rights and access of all citizens during exam periods.
JORDAN
In Jordan, authorities have previously blocked communication platforms during the Tawjihi exams, despite lacking a legal basis to do so. This practice severely undermines human rights and disrupts access to essential services.
In a positive sign of progress, there were no shutdowns or app blocks during last year’s exams. We hope for this trend to continue in 2024:
General Secondary Education Certificate Examination (Tawjihi exams): June 25-July 15, 2024
Join us in advocating for authorities to continue maintaining open and unrestricted access to the internet during this year’s exams.
Syria
The Syrian regime has consistently misused the internet to oppress its people, suppress human rights, and cover up severe rights violations, including mass killings, arbitrary arrests, and enforced disappearances. Routinely disconnecting people during exams has become a pattern; since 2016, authorities have typically shut down mobile internet services for at least five hours per exam day, usually during early mornings.
On June 25-26, 2024, authorities enforced nationwide internet blackouts twice during school exams, causing a three-and-a-half hour blackout during the early morning hours.
Baccalaureate exams: May 25-June 13
Join us in urging authorities to keep the internet open and accessible during this year’s exams.
OPEN LETTERS TO AUTHORITIES IN MENA
Implementing internet shutdowns during exams is a disproportionate, draconian, and harmful measure. This year, we will be sending open letters to authorities in Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, and Syria, urging them to refrain from cutting off communications during exams, which we will publish along with any responses received. Stay tuned for updates on our call for #NoExamShutdown!
WHAT YOU CAN DO
We believe in sharing the stories of people affected by internet shutdowns. If you have experienced an exam-related blackout, please share your story with us using this form.
Join Access Now, SMEX, the Internet Society, and our partners around the world in calling for MENA governments to #KeepItOn and commit to #NoExamShutdown. Follow us for more information on how you can help end internet shutdowns.
