Tag Archives: digital

Internet Shutdowns Surge Worldwide, UN Warns Of Growing Threat To Rights

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Governments around the world are increasingly cutting off internet access during protests, elections and political crises, raising serious concerns about freedom of expression and democratic participation, according to the United Nations.

In a statement issued this week, UNESCO said internet shutdowns have reached alarming levels in recent years, warning that the trend threatens fundamental rights and the flow of reliable information.

Record Number Of Shutdowns

According to data cited by UNESCO from digital rights monitoring group Access Now, 2024 recorded the highest number of internet shutdowns since global tracking began in 2016.

The agency said the pattern has continued into 2026, with several countries already imposing widespread digital restrictions amid political unrest or electoral processes.

UNESCO stressed that access to information is closely tied to freedom of expression and other fundamental rights.

“Access to information is an integral part of the universal right to freedom of expression,” the agency said.

Reliable internet connectivity, it noted, also supports education, freedom of association and assembly, and participation in cultural, social and political life.

The UN body called on governments to prioritise policies that expand access to digital communication rather than restrict it.

Shutdowns Increase Risk Of Misinformation

UNESCO also warned that cutting off internet access can unintentionally fuel the spread of misinformation.

When journalists, news organisations and public authorities lose access to digital platforms, the availability of verified information declines sharply. In such environments, rumours and unverified content can spread rapidly.

Without reliable online communication channels, citizens may also struggle to obtain timely updates during emergencies or political events.

Protests And Elections Often Trigger Restrictions

Recent months have seen several high-profile cases of governments restricting internet access during periods of political tension.

In January 2026, authorities in Iran imposed a near-total nationwide internet blackout during renewed protests. Connectivity monitoring services reported internet traffic dropping to extremely low levels, disrupting businesses and limiting communication between citizens, journalists and civil society organisations.

Afghanistan also experienced a nationwide internet shutdown between September and October 2025 after the Taliban authorities ordered telecommunications networks to suspend services. The disruption affected humanitarian operations, media reporting and access to online education, particularly for women and girls.

In Nepal, authorities temporarily blocked access to 26 social media and messaging platforms in September 2025 during a period of political unrest.

Sri Lanka has also faced scrutiny after adopting legislation in 2024 that grants authorities broad powers to regulate and restrict online content.

Election-Related Restrictions In Africa

Internet disruptions linked to elections have also been reported across several African countries.

In Cameroon, connectivity was significantly disrupted during the presidential election held in October 2025. Around the same time, Tanzania imposed internet restrictions and partial shutdowns during its national polls.

Digital rights groups have criticised such measures, warning that limiting online communication during elections undermines transparency and restricts public debate.

Human Rights Concerns

Concerns about internet shutdowns have been raised previously by the UN human rights office.

A 2022 report from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights examined the global impact of such restrictions and concluded that shutdowns often violate international human rights standards.

The report found that blocking internet access can have far-reaching consequences beyond the intended targets.

In emergencies, for example, hospitals may struggle to contact doctors or coordinate care. Small businesses can lose access to customers and markets, while voters may be deprived of crucial information about candidates and election processes.

The report also highlighted the risks faced by protesters who may be unable to communicate or seek help during violent crackdowns.

Call For Responsible Digital Governance

Because internet shutdowns typically affect entire populations rather than specific individuals, the UN says they rarely meet international standards requiring measures to be lawful, necessary and proportionate.

Experts warn that such restrictions can widen digital inequalities, slow economic growth and undermine democratic institutions.

UNESCO is therefore urging governments to ensure that digital governance policies protect connectivity and uphold human rights.

As internet access becomes increasingly essential for daily life, the agency said safeguarding open and reliable digital networks will be critical for protecting democratic participation and social progress worldwide.

‘Bet on youth’ to realise Africa’s digital potential, UN deputy chief says

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In 2024, only 34 per cent of women and 45 per cent of men on the continent used the internet, compared to global averages of 65 and 70 per cent. Meanwhile, 98 per cent of Africans under the age of 18 do not complete school with even basic STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) skills, reflecting long-term underinvestment in education.  

This slow progress in digital integration and STEM education is impeding Africa’s ability to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the report noted. The “digital divide” hits marginalised groups hardest, including women and rural communities.  

“Africa is a vast and populous continent, rich in natural endowments and talents. Yet much of that potential remains underutilised,” said Philémon Yang, the President of the General Assembly in a message to the meeting.  

The potential of youth

Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, told delegates that Africa must “bet on youth.”

By 2050, there will be over 850 million young people in Africa.   

“This is an incredible opportunity. Realising this potential means investing in STEM education now. It means building digital infrastructure that connects talent to opportunity,” Ms. Mohammed said.

But current systems do not sufficiently support young innovators – three-fourths of young Africans have insecure employment, lacking basic protections.

This lack of social protection is part of a wider labour rights gap, the report noted. In 2023, only 19 per cent of people in Africa had access to at least one form of social protection –such as social security or health insurance – compared to 53 per cent globally.

“Strong social protection is not just about safety nets. It is about creating the stability that allows societies to take risks, innovate and grow,” Ms. Mohammed said. 

People-cantered approaches

The report calls on governments and partners to adopt a people-cantered approach that promotes digital and technological innovation while also decent work, rights and intellectual property.  

“Resilience cannot be achieved without governance that places people at the centre of policy design and implementation,” the report said.

Speakers also stressed that African expertise must guide solutions.

“We reaffirm our collective determination to ensure that Africa’s development is led by its own people, grounded in knowledge, innovation and social justice,” said Ahmadou Lamin Samateh, Minister of Health of the Gambia, speaking for the African Group.

Power of partnerships

In his message, Mr. Yang said no single African country can achieve full digital integration alone; regional cooperation and multilateral support are essential.

“[Digital tools] can offer a way into the future… [but] no country can close these gaps alone…multilateral cooperation with the United Nations at its centre has secured eight decades of unprecedented human progress,” he said.

Ms. Mohammed emphasised the possibilities “when we get this right.”

“The choice is ours — we can continue business-as-usual and watch the 2030 Agenda slip away or we can support systemic transformation.” 

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Human rights must anchor the digital age, says UN’s Türk

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Digital technologies have the potential to drive progress and strengthen rights, including connecting people, improving access to health and education, and much more.

But the pace of their evolution also poses serious risks, warned Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights – from restrictions on free expression and privacy violations to discrimination and growing threats to our shared sense of truth and reality.

“It is precisely in the face of massive change, that we need more human rights, not less,” he said on Monday, addressing a high-level event on the twentieth anniversary of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva.

Prioritising rights

In this time of sweeping change, human rights must be prioritised and used as the blueprint for action.

“States’ legal obligations and companies’ duties to respect human rights offer guidance to tackle disinformation and protect our data from illicit use,” Mr. Türk stressed.

Such guidance also helps counter algorithmic bias, digital hate speech, and fosters trust and inclusive digital decision-making.

Role of WSIS

Founded in 2001, the inaugural WSIS was held in two phases in December 2003 (Geneva) and November 2005 (Tunis).

Since then, the forum has brought together diverse stakeholders to collaborate on digital governance and promote a digital landscape that is people-centred, inclusive and development-oriented.

“[The WSIS] helped create a space for States, technology companies, civil society, and others to harness the power of information and communication technologies for development,” said Mr. Türk.

Looking forward

The High Commissioner stressed that the coming months will see critical decisions on regulating the digital sphere, including new UN mechanisms on AI and data governance.

“We have a window of opportunity to make a difference,” he concluded.

“We must join forces – States, technology companies, international organizations, civil society, and others – to work towards an inclusive and open digital environment for everyone, everywhere.”

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Health, education, opportunity at stake, amid stubborn digital gender divide

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Closing this gap is not optional. There were189 million fewer women than men online in 2024.  

The disparity is about more than access, it reflects deeper systemic barriers, according to ​Doreen Bogdan-Martin who heads the UN telecommunications agency, ITU.

“That’s too many missed opportunities to learn, to earn and to shape our shared digital future,” she said in a message for Thursday’s International Girls in ICT Day.

She underscored that connectivity alone is not enough to ensure true digital transformation.

“It must be meaningful – being able to afford digital devices and services, having the skills to use technology and feeling safe in online spaces. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin’s video message.

2025 Theme

Celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday of April, Girls in ICT Day encourages girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Since its launch in 2011, more than 417,000 girls and young women have participated in over 11,500 celebrations across 175 countries.

This year’s theme is Girls in ICT for inclusive digital transformation. The ITU is calling for more investment in girls’ digital education and expansion of access to technology.  

More young women need to become creators – not just consumers in the digital world, the agency argues.

“Whether you are an entrepreneur, launching an AI startup, a teacher incorporating digital skills into your classroom or a policymaker shaping our shared digital future, you can help ensure every woman and girl has the chance to connect, create and lead in digital spaces,” Ms. Bogdan-Martin emphasised.

A participant at a UN-supported training on STEM for girls and young women.

Global observance

The 2025 global observance will be co-hosted this year by the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Eurasia together with States from the Arab region, featuring a live-streamed hybrid event linking Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and Nouakchott, Mauritania.

The programme includes an intergenerational dialogue bringing together girls, women leaders, and ICT experts to discuss practical strategies for closing the gender gap.

Events are also being organized worldwide, including Girls in ICT in Solomon Islands in the Pacific, the Melon Girls Club in North Macedonia and STEM Supergirls in Croatia.

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