Adnan Aamir is an Award-Winning Journalist based in Quetta, Pakistan. He covers Business and Economics, development, media and socio-economic issues. He is also founder and Editor of Balochistan Voices, a community based online newspaper.

Pakistan's X blockage puts new PM Sharif in hot seat over free speech

17 Mar 2023  |  asia.nikkei.com  |  English  |  Elections

Pakistan has been experiencing a month-long blockage of the social media platform X, believed to be linked to the country's controversial elections. The blockage, which began on February 17, has significantly impacted businesses and journalists. The internet watchdog Netblocks confirmed the intermittent access to the platform. The situation has placed new Prime Minister Sharif under scrutiny regarding free speech issues.

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Netblocks Pakistani Government

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Finbar Anderson is a journalist based in Beirut, Lebanon.

Iran's internet blackout: What is happening, and why did the government turn it off?

23 Nov 2019  |  news.yahoo.com  |  English  |  Government Censorship

The Iranian government initiated a near-total internet shutdown following protests triggered by petrol price hikes on November 15. The protests, demanding high-ranking officials to step down, led to at least 106 deaths across 21 cities, according to Amnesty International. Iran's internet blackout is significant in its scale and duration, making it difficult for information dissemination. The government aimed to control the narrative and reduce protest mobilization by promoting its own communication apps. The shutdown complicated the work of external monitors and rights organizations. Despite the challenges of coordinating with ISPs and mobile data providers, connectivity was reduced to as low as five percent. The National Information Network, Iran's intranet, has been in development for years, and businesses have been encouraged to use this state-controlled platform. US sanctions have inadvertently supported Iran's repressive policies by limiting access to foreign internet services. Internet access began to be restored, but as of the report, it was still at 15 percent of normal levels.

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NetBlocks Amnesty International Digital Impact Lab Oxford Internet Institute Article 19

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Award-winning reporter and writer trained in an authoritarian regime and
strongly committed to freedom of expression, international standards of
journalism, rigor, beauty, and the search for truth.

Hashtags and live streams, the weapons of Cubans to hack an obsolete revolution

21 Jul 2021  |  El País América  |  Spanish  |  Government Repression

In January 2019, a tornado hit Havana, leading to an unprecedented civil mobilization in Cuba facilitated by mobile data, which the government had activated just a month prior. This connectivity enabled greater citizen solidarity with the affected families. Subsequent events, including protests against animal abuse and for LGBT rights, utilized the internet for organization, despite government repression. Independent media and opposition groups found in the internet a space to spread their ideas, exemplified by the viral song 'Patria y vida.' The government responded with internet blackouts and repression, particularly during the July 11 protests, which were the largest against the Cuban government since the 1990s. The protests were extensively documented online until the government restricted internet access. Despite this, the hashtag #SOSCuba became a global trend, and the U.S. is considering providing free internet support to Cuba. The Cuban government has since temporarily lifted import taxes on food, hygiene products, and medicines until December 31, 2021, in response to the protests.

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NetBlocks Movimiento San Isidro ETECSA

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Kudzai Chimhangwa is an independent journalist. I regularly travel to Namibia, Mozambique, Botswana, Malawi and South Africa in pursuit of news assignments. I have worked as a staff reporter in Namibia and Zimbabwe for independent publications and been freelancing thereafter for 7 years. ...

Weaponising the law: Zimbabwe’s new frontier in digital rights repression

26 Apr 2022  |  Global Voices  |  English  |  Legislation

Zimbabwe's government is increasingly using legislation to repress digital rights, targeting human rights defenders and NGOs. The Data Protection Act, signed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, is criticized for infringing on citizens' digital rights and enabling government surveillance. Internet shutdowns and throttling have been used to suppress opposition activities, notably affecting Nelson Chamisa's rally. The European Union extended its embargo against Zimbabwe due to continued rights abuses. The Private Voluntary Organizations Amendment Bill is also controversial, with critics arguing it threatens civil society organizations and digital rights. Human rights lawyers warn that these laws are prone to abuse and undermine constitutional freedoms.

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NetBlocks ZANU-PF Citizens Coalition for Change European Union Financial Action Task Force United Nations

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I am a journalist based in Dakar, Senegal who love to write about minorities, specially about women, and environment. I write for french newspapers and also for senegalese website but more than interested to develop others skills (radio for example) and ready to try new opportunities !
I also ...

Senegal: Internet access restrictions have weighed on the country's economy

11 Jun 2023  |  www.la-croix.com  |  French  |  Economic Impact

A 48-hour internet shutdown in Senegal, aimed at preventing the spread of 'hateful and subversive messages' amid political crisis following the imprisonment of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, has had significant economic repercussions. With 99% of internet access in Senegal via mobile phones, the suspension on June 4th affected online sales, mobile money transactions, and caused estimated losses of at least 5 billion FCFA per day. The government reversed the restrictions on June 6th after pushback from digital and economic stakeholders.

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NetBlocks Africtivistes Government of Senegal

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Sara Creta is an Italian multimedia-journalist, specializing in coverage of humanitarian issues worldwide. With an emphasis on stories that dignify the human struggle, she works closely with NGOs and social service groups to document on-the-ground conditions in forced migration situation, human ...

Coronavirus, inequality and the digital divide

30 Apr 2020  |  RTE.ie  |  English  |  Inequality

The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the global digital divide, with billions lacking internet access despite its critical role in managing the crisis. The article discusses the disparity in internet access across both developed and developing countries, emphasizing the need for policies to ensure connectivity for all. It criticizes government-imposed internet shutdowns in countries like Bangladesh and India, which hinder access to vital information. Human rights organizations and advocacy groups are calling for immediate action to make the internet affordable and accessible, especially in vulnerable regions. The pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities, underscoring the urgent need to address the digital divide.

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NetBlocks United Nations FCC World Health Organization World Wide Web Foundation Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission Internet Freedom Foundation Reporters Without Borders

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Experienced multimedia journalist and award-winning podcast producer. Bilingual in Russian, French, and English. Interest and understanding of environmental, human rights and social justice issues as well as Russia and the former Soviet states politics.

What is Nexta — the Telegram channel reporting on Belarus' protests?

12 Aug 2020  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Internet Censorship

Nexta, an independent Belarus-based online media outlet, has emerged as a crucial information source during internet disruptions following the contested presidential elections in Belarus. With over 1.3 million subscribers on its encrypted Telegram channel, Nexta provides a platform for secure information sharing, often featuring exclusive content and government leaks. Despite internet connectivity issues reported by NetBlocks since August 9, 2020, Nexta's decentralized approach and use of Telegram have enabled continued information dissemination. Editor in chief Roman Potasetich describes Nexta as a 21st-century media organization, utilizing messengers and YouTube to reach audiences. Amidst the protests against President Lukashenko's claimed election victory, Nexta also advised readers on bypassing internet blocks, highlighting the resilience of new media formats in the face of censorship.

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NetBlocks Nexta Central Election Commission of Belarus

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Gabriele Di Donfrancesco is a freelance journalist and fixer based in Rome, Italy, focused on investigations and stories on environmental crimes, housing, religion, politics, and social justice.

He has covered Italian affairs for US and UK news outlets, including the Daily Dot, Jacobin, Euronews,...

Anonymous claims to be 'doing everything possible to keep Ukrainians connected to the Internet'

26 Feb 2022  |  Mashable Italia  |  Italian  |  Ukraine-Russia Conflict

Anonymous, a hacktivist collective, has tweeted about their efforts to keep Ukrainians online amidst connectivity issues due to the Russian invasion. They have also targeted Russian websites, which remain offline following cyberattacks. Russia has restricted Twitter access within its borders, a move confirmed by NetBlocks and the BBC, and threatens similar action against Facebook. The British Ministry of Defence has reiterated the strong resistance by Ukrainians in Kiev. The role of social media and encrypted messaging apps is highlighted as crucial for organizing armed response and spreading information. Anonymous and journalists have advised Ukrainian users to avoid sharing images that could help Russian forces locate them. Twitter has provided Ukrainian users with account protection advice.

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NetBlocks Anonymous BBC Roskomnadzor British Ministry of Defence Kyiv Independent Kremlin

Journalist and writer based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Appeared in The Diplomat, Al Jazeera, The Daily Star, Dhaka Tribune.

Researcher, Tech Policy Fellow, Tech Global Institute.

Topics covered: Politics, Technology, Policy, History, Culture.

Inside the Facebook blackout: How the social media giant lost $7bn in a day

05 Oct 2021  |  The Daily Star  |  English  |  Social Media

On Monday, Facebook and its services, including WhatsApp and Instagram, experienced a massive outage lasting nearly 12 hours, attributed to configuration changes on backbone routers. The outage disrupted global communications, internal operations at Facebook, and caused significant financial losses, including a $7 billion drop in Mark Zuckerberg's net worth and a $160 million per hour impact on the global economy. Small businesses and advertisers relying on Facebook faced substantial setbacks. In Bangladesh, the outage affected numerous Facebook-based businesses and digital agencies. Despite the disruption, there is no evidence of compromised user data.

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NetBlocks House of Leathers

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Is a award winning multimedia Journalist and storyteller based in Liberia.

He’s available for coverage on any topic from Liberia and about Liberia.

Be it feature, two-ways, text or multimedia content let me know.

****** (WhatsApp and call )

Major internet outages reported across Africa

14 Mar 2024  |  www.technologyforyou.org  |  English  |  Technology

Major internet disruptions have been reported across several African countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Ghana, and Burkina Faso. The cause of the cable failures remains unclear, but patterns in the timing of disruptions have been noted. Significant connectivity drops were observed in Ivory Coast, Liberia, Benin, and Ghana. Vodacom in South Africa and the MainOne cable system in Nigeria reported issues. The Liberia Telecommunications Authority attributed the disruptions to an incident involving the ACE submarine communications cable. The National Communications Authority in Ghana also cited multiple undersea cable disruptions. Cloudflare and Netblocks provided data on the ongoing disruptions.

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Netblocks Cloudflare Liberia Telecommunications Authority National Communications Authority

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DILEK GUL is a journalist based in Istanbul, Turkey.

Graduated from Yeditepe University with a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature. Later, continued her postgraduate study in Political science and International Relations. Alongside her studies, she also started working as an ...

What is bandwidth throttling and why is it being used?

08 Feb 2023  |  tr.euronews.com  |  Turkish  |  Legal Issues

Bandwidth throttling in Turkey, implemented by the Bilişim Teknolojileri Kurumu (BTK), restricts data flow to devices, impacting internet access. Critics, including Barış Altıntaş from the Medya ve Hukuk Çalışmaları Derneği (MLSA) and lawyer Akın Atalay, argue that such measures lack legal basis and infringe on freedom of information and expression. Mustafa Kuleli from the Avrupa Gazeteciler Federasyonu (EFJ) highlights that these restrictions violate constitutional rights and hinder public access to information. VPNs are discussed as a method to bypass these restrictions.

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Netblocks Bilişim Teknolojileri Kurumu (BTK) Medya ve Hukuk Çalışmaları Derneği (MLSA) Avrupa Gazeteciler Federasyonu (EFJ)

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Khattab Hamad is a Data and Media researcher based in Khartoum, Sudan. Khattab works to write, transcribe, and research for many international organizations.

The International Community Must Protect Internet Freedom: A Lesson From Sudan

01 Feb 2024  |  www.jurist.org  |  English  |  Telecommunication

The ongoing conflict in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to significant internet shutdowns, severely impacting the country's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector. These shutdowns, often politically motivated, have disrupted daily activities, banking, and emergency communications, exacerbating the challenges faced by conflict-affected communities. Major ISPs like MTN Sudan and Sudatel have experienced complete outages, and the economic ramifications are profound, threatening foreign investment and economic stability. The article calls for regional and international bodies to implement frameworks to safeguard telecommunication infrastructure and personnel during conflicts, recognizing such disruptions as humanitarian offenses.

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Netblocks Sudanese Armed Forces Rapid Support Forces Sudanese Government Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project

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Mike Ives is a journalist based in Hanoi, Vietnam, and a regular contributor to The Economist and The New York Times.

At Least 11 Dead as Cyclone Devastates Islands in Indian Ocean

15 Dec 2024  |  www.nytimes.com  |  English  |  Cyclone Chido

Tropical Cyclone Chido has caused significant destruction in Mayotte, a French territory in the Indian Ocean, resulting in at least 11 deaths and over 240 injuries. The cyclone, with sustained winds of 115 mph, has led to telecommunication outages, complicating emergency efforts. French and European authorities, including President Emmanuel Macron and Ursula von der Leyen, are coordinating relief efforts. The storm has moved towards Mozambique, with Mayotte still under a red cyclone alert.

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NetBlocks France's Interior Ministry U.S. military’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center Agence France-Presse European Commission

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WINNIE KAMAU is a Data journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Zimbabwe Elections Extended with Growing concerns of Internet Disruption

25 Oct 2023  |  www.talkafrica.co.ke  |  English  |  Internet Disruption

Zimbabwe has extended voting in selected wards by a day due to delays in ballot paper distribution, affecting less than 1% of the country's wards, including key areas in Harare. Concerns over internet disruptions have been raised, with reports of throttling affecting major service providers. President Emmerson Mnangagwa, seeking re-election, faces criticism for economic challenges during his term. Advocacy groups urge the government to maintain internet access to ensure transparency in the electoral process.

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Netblocks ZANU-PF Access Now Citizens Coalition For Change (CCC)

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Lebon Kasamira is a freelance journalist, researcher and consultant in digital communication based in Goma, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

As digital censorship concerns cloud DR Congo’s crucial election, elsewhere in Francophone Africa, internet shutdowns also threaten livelihoods and democracy

15 Dec 2023  |  www.equaltimes.org  |  English  |  Digital Rights

French-speaking African countries often disrupt internet access during elections and political crises, impacting democracy and economic development. The Democratic Republic of Congo, facing general elections on 20 December, has a history of internet shutdowns, raising concerns among citizens and organizations. Internet shutdowns violate international law and carry significant economic costs, with DR Congo's 2018 shutdown resulting in a $61.4 million loss. Initiatives like the DRC's Digital Code, Netblocks, and the #KeepItOn coalition are combating these shutdowns. The media, journalists, and activists play a vital role in informing the public and advocating for digital rights.

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Netblocks United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights CIPESA AGIR-RDC #KeepItOn coalition

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Ayaz Khan is a journalist based in Karachi, Pakistan. He covers climate change across the country, especially Sindh and Balochistan provinces in Pakistan. He is working with Pakistan's premier reputed Newspaper Daily Dawn. He is a regular Op-ed writer with Asia Times online. He is a communication ...

Technology: Suspending Internet and Livelihoods

28 May 2023  |  www.dawn.com  |  English  |  Political Turmoil

The article discusses the severe impact of a four-day internet blackout in Pakistan following the arrest of Imran Khan, leader of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf. The disruption affected various online service providers like InDrive, Bykea, and FoodPanda, leaving many workers unable to earn their daily income. The blackout resulted in significant financial losses and highlighted the country's ongoing issues with internet freedom. The article emphasizes the need for authorities to consider the repercussions of such decisions on daily-wage earners.

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Netblocks Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Freedom House

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Maggie Miller is a journalist, and has a longer written out bio

Cyberattack cuts many internet connections in Ukraine

12 Dec 2023  |  www.politico.com  |  English  |  Internet Outage

Ukraine's largest telecom operator, Kyivstar, was hit by a severe cyberattack that disrupted internet services across the country, including mobile and fixed-line services, affecting critical systems like air strike alerts and banking. The Security Service of Ukraine suspects Russian involvement and has launched a criminal investigation, while the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection urges caution before drawing conclusions. Industry experts from NetBlocks and Kentik confirmed the extensive impact of the attack. Kyivstar has been a frequent target of cyberattacks since the start of the Russian invasion, with CEO Oleksandr Komarov recounting the company's defensive efforts.

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NetBlocks Security Service of Ukraine State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection Kentik

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Nagham Mohanna is a journalist.
I have been working in media and journalism for more than 15 years I worked with many international, regional and local outlets I covered four wars in Gaza besides number of important events, I travelled abroad to develop my skills in journalism and I have conducted ...

Communications blackout and spiralling hunger compound misery in Gaza

16 Dec 2023  |  The National  |  English  |  Communications Blackout

A prolonged communications blackout in Gaza has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with internet and phone lines down since Thursday evening. The UN and aid agencies report severe disruptions in aid deliveries and rescue efforts, with hunger levels spiraling as the conflict continues. The US has expressed unease over Israel's handling of civilian casualties, while Israeli airstrikes have resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties. The Palestine Red Crescent and other organizations face significant challenges due to the blackout, and international aid agencies warn of a looming hunger crisis, with many Gazans going days without food.

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NetBlocks.org UN Palestine Red Crescent UN World Food Programme UNRWA Palestinian Centre for Human Rights

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Paul Njie is a freelance multimedia journalist and fixer, covering local stories for global audiences. He has worked with international media such as TRT WORLD, Al Jazeera, The Globe and Mail, The Christian Science Monitor and University World News.

Paul is highly skilled in news reporting, ...

Chad fighting: Heavy gunfire in N'Djamena after attack on security HQ

04 Oct 2023  |  BBC News فارسی  |  English  |  Violence

Heavy gunfire erupted in N'Djamena, Chad, following a deadly attack on the National Security Agency headquarters, with the government blaming the opposition Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF). The attack resulted in multiple fatalities, and the government accused PSF leader Yaya Dillo of orchestrating the violence, which he denied. The unrest coincides with the announcement of presidential elections set for May 6. Internet connectivity has been disrupted, and the government has vowed to prosecute those responsible for disturbing the democratic process. President Mahamat Déby, backed by France, is yet to confirm his candidacy for the upcoming elections.

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Netblocks National Security Agency (ANSE) Socialist Party Without Borders (PSF) Patriotic Salvation Movement (MPS) Supreme Court

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Abby Seiff is an award-winning freelance journalist with a decade of experience reporting and editing in Asia. Her writing and photography have appeared in Newsweek, Time, The AP, Foreign Policy, The Guardian, and more. She also regularly edits and writes reports for think-tanks, security firms, ...

Will Protests against China Push Beijing to Intervene in Myanmar?

30 Mar 2021  |  www.chinafile.com  |  English  |  International Relations

The article explores the escalating protests in Myanmar against the military coup and the perceived involvement of China. It highlights the viral images suggesting Chinese support for Myanmar's military, the widespread protests targeting China, and the economic and political stakes for Beijing. Experts provide insights into China's cautious stance, the potential for increased Chinese intervention if its interests are threatened, and the broader geopolitical implications. The article underscores the protesters' demands for China to cut ties with the junta and the complex dynamics at play in the region.

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NetBlocks Tatmadaw National League for Democracy Chinese Chamber of Commerce Stimson Center Australian Strategic Policy Institute VOA Committee for Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw E.U. U.S. U.N.

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Journalist based in Caracas (Venezuela) with years of experience in multimedia reporting at national and international media. I have worked on news and coverage from different sources, such as political and economic. Interested in writing stories focused on the social and human side. Responsible, ...

Blackout impacts Caracas and several states in Venezuela

06 Oct 2023  |  www.vozdeamerica.com  |  Spanish  |  Government Response

A significant power outage affected Caracas and several states in Venezuela for two to eight hours, with the government attributing it to an 'attack' on the electrical system. The blackout impacted internet connectivity and was reported by NetBlocks. Government officials, including Minister Néstor Reverol, claimed it was a deliberate attack, while opposition leader Juan Guaidó blamed government corruption and incompetence. The power was fully restored by noon. Residents shared their experiences, highlighting the vulnerability of the electrical system and the economic concerns arising from such outages.

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NetBlocks Government of Nicolás Maduro Corpoelec Primero Justicia

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Freelance journalist
Editor, IranWire English
Editorial assistant, Banipal Magazine
Formerly Archant Investigations Unit + Oxford Mail

Iran's National Information Network: A Digital Purgatory Amid Protests

13 May 2022  |  iranwire.com  |  English  |  Internet Shutdown

The article discusses the situation in Iran where the government has imposed an internet shutdown, particularly in the Khuzestan region, amid street protests. Iranian users are forced onto the National Information Network (NIN), a domestic intranet under heavy surveillance, which restricts access to global sites like Google but allows local services such as Digikala and Aparat. The NIN is part of a broader strategy to control the flow of information and monitor communications. The shutdown has made it difficult for information about the protests and potential state violence to reach the outside world. Filterwatch researcher Amir Rashidi, from the NGO Small Media and Miaan, highlights the challenges of sending information out of the region and the dangers of centralized internet distribution in Iran. The article also touches on the

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NetBlocks Filterbaan Small Media Miaan Filterwatch Telecommunications Infrastructure Company Iran After Dark

Samuel Woodhams is a Researcher at the digital rights group and VPN comparison website, Top10VPN. Based in London, United Kingdom, he writes at the intersection of technology and politics, with a particular focus on internet shutdowns, digital rights and disinformation. His work has been featured ...

Africa's innovative response to internet repression

11 Nov 2019  |  www.dw.com  |  English  |  Internet Governance

Africa faces significant challenges in internet governance, including social media taxes, internet shutdowns, and disinformation campaigns. Despite these issues, citizens and organizations are innovating to promote open and affordable digital spaces. Efforts include community networks in South Africa, fact-checking services in Ethiopia, and advocacy against internet shutdowns. The Zambian government's proposed tax on Netflix and Uganda's additional taxes on web services have been criticized for negatively impacting connectivity. However, citizens are finding ways to bypass these restrictions using VPNs. The rise of community networks and digital rights advocacy offers hope for improved digital governance in Africa.

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Netblocks Zambian government Uganda's state-run telecommunications authority Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) Zone 9 blogging collective Gobena Street Access Now Internet Society Internet Sans Frontieres Alliance for Affordable Internet Zenzeleni Networks

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Emma Woollacott is a journalist based in Oxford, United Kingdom, writing in fields from science and tech to business and politics, freelance since 1992. I've written for most British broadsheet national newspapers, including the Times, Daily Telegraph, Financial Times and Guardian, as well as many ...

Government Internet Shutdowns Bring Huge Economic Costs

04 Jan 2024  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Human Rights

Government-imposed internet shutdowns in 2023 cost the global economy $9.01 billion, with significant impacts in Russia, Ethiopia, and Iran. These shutdowns, often linked to human rights abuses, restrict digital freedoms and cause economic self-harm. The report by Top10VPN highlights the extensive use of internet blackouts and social media blocks, with Russia's ban on major platforms being the most costly. Despite a decrease in total costs compared to 2022, the duration of shutdowns increased. The economic impact of Gaza's internet outages remains unquantified due to the complexities of conflict.

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Netblocks Top10VPN World Bank ITU Eurostat US Census Access Now Paltel

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