Government Internet Shutdowns: A Global Concern and Impact

Government internet shutdowns threaten rights, economies, and communication, raising urgent concerns about their implications worldwide.

### The Impact of Government Internet Shutdowns: A Global Perspective
* 🌐  The rise of government internet shutdowns has become a global issue, with **283 incidents recorded in 2023 alone**, affecting **39 countries**.
* 🔒  Countries like China, Russia, and India have well-established mechanisms for shutting down the internet, with China once implementing a **312-day shutdown in Xinjiang in 2009**.
* 🌍  Western countries like the UK, Australia, and the US also have laws that allow for **internet shutdowns in certain circumstances**, such as **national security threats**.
* 🏛️  The UN has declared internet access a human right, but there is no binding international law that **prohibits governments from shutting down the internet**.
* 💼  The economic impact of internet shutdowns can be significant, with Bangladesh losing an estimated **$393 million** during a **5-day shutdown in 2024**.
* 📚  Some countries justify internet shutdowns for reasons like **curbing protests or preventing exam cheating**, but the **collateral damage can be extensive**.
* 🛰️  Potential solutions to mitigate the impact of internet shutdowns include **satellite internet (e.g., Starlink)**, **decentralized mesh networks**, and advocating for **internet access as a fundamental human right**.
* 💬  The episode concludes by raising questions about the **future of internet access and usage**, and how societies can protect this **vital resource** from government interference.

Governments Are Suddenly Shutting Down The Internet - Here’s Why

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Government Internet Shutdowns: A Growing Concern

The video discusses the violent protests in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in July 2024, which led to a government-mandated internet shutdown for five days.

This incident is part of a larger trend, with 2023 recording a record 283 internet shutdowns worldwide.

The video also highlights that Western countries, like the UK and Australia, have mechanisms in place for similar shutdowns, raising concerns about the government's control over the internet.

AT&T's recent data breach has exposed 70 million user Social Security numbers and call logs, potentially affecting many individuals.

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China's government has implemented strict internet censorship and shutdowns, while Russia has passed a law to isolate its internet, raising concerns about government control over online communication.

Government Power to Shut Down the Internet

The UK government has emergency powers to suspend the internet, using the Communications Act of 2003 and the Civil Contingencies Act of 2004.

These powers have been criticized for potential abuse, as seen in Libya's communication blackout after a natural disaster.

Other countries, including Australia and Malaysia, have proposed or implemented similar internet shutdown mechanisms for national security.

The UN has declared internet access a human right, condemning internet shutdowns as illegal since 2016.

Despite international pressure, there is no binding law to prevent governments from enforcing shutdowns, as seen in Bangladesh's recent actions to curb misinformation and violence.

The economic impact of such shutdowns can be significant, with Bangladesh facing a financial loss of around $393 million.

Internet shutdowns can cause significant economic losses, with the U.

potentially losing over $7 billion in just one day.

In Bangladesh, over 1 million freelancers rely on the internet for their livelihoods, and shutdowns can disrupt critical industries like hospitals and banking.

The trend of governments ordering internet shutdowns during elections is increasing, raising concerns about the future and the need for alternative solutions like satellite internet.

The Importance of Quick Internet Recovery

Rapid recovery from infrastructure damage is crucial, as seen in Puerto Rico's hurricane aftermath.

Decentralized mesh networks have provided a solution during internet shutdowns in Hong Kong and Iran.

Advocating for internet access as a fundamental human right may be the key to future-proofing connectivity for everyone.