The United Nations Human Rights Office has urged countries to not impose internet shutdowns that impact the lives of people and affect the livelihood of millions. It has published a report highlighting the pitfalls while imposing internet shutdowns. Here are the details to know.
According to the #KeepItOn coalition cited in the report, 931 shutdowns were reported between 2016 and 2021 in 74 countries. Of these shutdowns, some countries were blocking communications repeatedly and over long periods of time. Furthermore, the report mentions that at least 225 shutdowns were related to social, political, or economic grievances.
Assessing the shutdowns’ impact on access to education, health, and humanitarian assistance, the researchers found that these shutdowns compromise the effectiveness of the healthcare and public health policies. Citing relevant studies, the report mentions that shutdowns impact urgent medical care, delivery of essential medicines and maintenance of equipment, the confidentiality of health information, and access to essential mental health assistance.
