Document detail

Security versus access: the impact of mobile network shutdowns. Case study: Telenor Pakistan

London: Institute for Human Rights and Business (2015), 49 pp.
"Network shutdowns are usually justified on security grounds, and the counterargument is often framed around the impact on freedom of expression. However, the impacts of network shutdowns can have far-reaching, adverse economic and social implications and could affect future economic growth; furthermore, they can actually endanger the very right it seeks to preserve, the right to life, by denying users the ability to connect to family, health and emergency services. Although the Government of Pakistan faces grave internal threats and serious security situations, concerns that network shutdowns are becoming the go-to tool are growing. More effective strategies to prevent attacks are required. Blunt network shutdowns cannot offer a long-term solution for any country in combatting terrorism or other security threats. ICTs are used by citizens and terrorists alike, but without access to ICTs, law enforcement lose the opportunity to use communications for the purpose of fighting terrorism, and to disseminate important information to move people to safety, or to calm a concerned population." (Conclusion)
Contents
1 Telecommunications in Pakistan, 12
About Telenor Group -- Telenor Pakistan
2 History of Network Shutdowns in Pakistan, 16
3 The Network Shutdown Process in Pakistan: Telenor Pakistan’s Role and Responsibilities, 19
4 The International and National Legal Framework, 21
5 The Network Shutdown on Pakistan Day - 23 March 2015, 27
6 The Impact of Network Shutdowns and Effectiveness of Government Policy, 29
Safety and Security -- Restricted Access to Emergency Services -- Work -- Education -- Human Rights Defenders -- eServices -- Economic Impacts -- People’s Opinions of Network Shutdowns
7 Other Examples of the Network Shutdown Debate, 37
Egypt -- Ireland -- Kazakhstan
Conclusion, 42
Annex A: Timeline of Network Shutdowns in Pakistan (2012-2015), 45