In an age where the Internet is an integral part of our daily lives, the increasing trend of governments resorting to frequent Internet shutdowns during large public gatherings raises serious concerns. While authorities argue that such measures are necessary for maintaining law and order, it is crucial to recognize the detrimental impact these shutdowns have on democratic principles, freedom of expression, and economic activities.
The Internet serves as a powerful tool for democracy, enabling citizens to express their opinions, organize peaceful protests, and disseminate information freely. By shutting down the Internet (including telco services) during public gatherings, like earlier today when at the launch of the Bagong Pilipinas campaign, governments stifle the very essence of democratic discourse, limiting citizens’ ability to voice concerns and participate in the democratic process.
One of the cornerstones of a healthy democracy is the freedom of expression. Internet shutdowns infringe upon this fundamental right, depriving individuals of the platform to express dissent, share ideas, and engage in public discourse. In a democracy, the diversity of opinions is essential for informed decision-making, and suppressing this diversity undermines the democratic fabric.
Frequent Internet shutdowns not only impede freedom of expression but also erode other civil liberties. The right to access information, communicate freely, and peacefully assemble are all compromised when the digital lifeline is severed. Citizens may find themselves isolated and unable to stay informed, hindering their ability to make informed decisions about their government and society.
Beyond the realm of civil liberties, Internet shutdowns have severe economic consequences. In an interconnected world, businesses heavily rely on the Internet for transactions, communication, and operations. Disrupting the online infrastructure during large public gatherings not only hampers the ability of businesses to function but also discourages foreign investment, hindering economic growth.
Frequent Internet shutdowns not only impact citizens locally but also contribute to a broader threat to global connectivity. In an era where cross-border communication and collaboration are essential, governments must recognize that shutting down the Internet is not an isolated act. It has repercussions that extend beyond national borders, affecting international relations and cooperation.
“Whenever internet connections are cut, the safety, security and health of millions of people may be at stake. Documenting outages is an important step in seeking transparency and accountability, particularly in contexts of uncertainty or insecurity around recent events,” according to global non-profit Mozilla, makers of the Firefox web browser, last 09 March 2022 when they opened access to an anonymous telemetry dataset that will enable researchers to explore signals of network outages around the world.
Governments should explore alternative measures to maintain public order during large gatherings without resorting to Internet shutdowns. Increased police presence, communication and negotiation with protest organizers, and leveraging technology for targeted interventions are viable alternatives that allow authorities to address security concerns without compromising the democratic principles that underpin our society.
Frequent Internet shutdowns during large public gatherings pose a significant threat to democracy, freedom of expression, and economic prosperity. Governments must strike a balance between maintaining public order and upholding the principles that form the foundation of a democratic society. The path forward involves embracing technology as an enabler of democratic values rather than treating it as a threat that warrants suppression. Only through a commitment to these principles can nations hope to foster a thriving democratic society that respects the rights and voices of its citizens.