"Temporary internet disruptions and shutdowns pose serious challenges to the exercise of a wide range of rights and therefore cannot be justified under any pretext, whether these relate to preservation of national security, safeguarding the public order, or countering disinformation, among others. Any measure that restricts people's ability to connect to the internet should be strictly justified through the principles of proportionality and necessity. The notion of network disruptions should thus take into account that partial disruptions can take place and have almost as much a deleterious effect on human rights as internet shutdowns." (Conclusion, p.27)
Contents
1 Introduction, 3
2 The occurrence of mandated disruptions of communications, 3
Africa -- Asia and Pacific -- Latin America -- Middle East and North Africa
3 The impact of mandated communications disruptions, 13
The gender impact of internet shutdowns -- The impact of shutdowns on media and journalism -- The economic impact of internet shutdowns -- Education -- Social and psychological impacts -- Impact on human rights
4 Initiatives promoting internet connectivity and bridging the digital divides, 21
5 Conclusion and recommendations, 27