Felicia Anthonio

Since the start of the Tigray conflict in November 2020, warring parties in Ethiopia have used internet and telecommunication shutdowns as a weapon to control and censor information.

In 2021, at least a dozen countries with a history of internet shutdowns are headed to the polls for important elections, and people fighting for their democracies need the world’s solidarity and support.

In spite of the #KeepItOn coalition’s call for open and accessible internet, authorities in Zambia blocked access to social media platforms throughout the nation’s August 12 election, including WhatsApp and Facebook.

National secondary and high school exams are a big deal in the Arab world. But when MENA governments cut off internet access nationwide to stop students from sharing exam answers, they also block access to essential online services.

Through an open letter, the #KeepItOn coalition and civil society organizations are urging Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and the government to restore and maintain internet connection for all Ethiopians throughout the election period.

This election, we urge the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to #KeepItOn.

In this post, we cover facts and figures on the most recent shutdowns so far in 2021, emerging trends for these disruptions, and information on key #KeepItOn coalition projects this year.

In 2021, at least a dozen countries with a history of internet shutdowns are headed to the polls for important elections, and people fighting for their democracies need the world’s solidarity and support.

Multiple sources are reporting an internet shutdown in Kazakhstan coinciding with anti-government protests calling for the release of political prisoners.