State of internet freedom in Africa 2019: mapping trends in government internet controls, 1999-2019
Kampala:
Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA)
(2019), 47 pp.
"The study has found that African countries have broadened the range of measures that govern the use of digital communications including the internet. The implementation of oppressive laws and regulations is on the rise in the countries under review. It is evident that countries are using legislation to legitimise practices which are otherwise unlawful to impose restrictions and internet controls. While laws in place are touted as necessary towards fighting cybercrime or enhancing cybersecurity in the countries, they are largely directed towards stemming opposition, clamping down on criticism and quelling local dissent. Increasingly, the countries reviewed appear to adopt a similar pattern of measures across the board, which have been increasing gradually since 1999, as the use of the internet continues to rise. The key reasons given by governments are the need to safeguard national security and maintain public order." (Conclusion, p.43)
Contents
1 Introduction, 5
2 Methodology, 7
3 Country Contexts, 8
4.1 Results: Key Trends of the Internet Control Over the Last Two Decades, 16
Weaponizing the Law to Legitimise Actions
Disrupting Networks – From SMS Censorship to Social Media Blockage to Internet Throttling
Surveillance Galore: The Build-Up of States’ Capacity
The Push Towards Determining Identity Amidst Poor Oversight
Enter The Era of Social Media and Data Taxation
Deploying Bots, Cyberattacks and Disinformation
4.2 Results: Key Positive Developments, 39
Robust Advocacy and Push-back by Non-State Actors
Adoption of Progressive Legislation
Repeal of Repressive Legislation
5 Conclusion and Recommendations, 43
2 Methodology, 7
3 Country Contexts, 8
4.1 Results: Key Trends of the Internet Control Over the Last Two Decades, 16
Weaponizing the Law to Legitimise Actions
Disrupting Networks – From SMS Censorship to Social Media Blockage to Internet Throttling
Surveillance Galore: The Build-Up of States’ Capacity
The Push Towards Determining Identity Amidst Poor Oversight
Enter The Era of Social Media and Data Taxation
Deploying Bots, Cyberattacks and Disinformation
4.2 Results: Key Positive Developments, 39
Robust Advocacy and Push-back by Non-State Actors
Adoption of Progressive Legislation
Repeal of Repressive Legislation
5 Conclusion and Recommendations, 43
