Digital Darkness in the Donbas

The article details the increasing frequency and severity of internet shutdowns in countries globally, particularly in regions experiencing political instability or protests. Governments are increasingly using these shutdowns as a tool to suppress dissent, control information flow, and undermine opposition movements. The shutdowns are often justified under the guise of maintaining public order or preventing the spread of misinformation, but the real impact is the silencing of voices and curtailment of fundamental rights.

The article highlights specific examples of these shutdowns in countries such as Ethiopia, Iran, Myanmar, Sudan, and India, emphasizing the devastating impact on ordinary citizens, businesses, and humanitarian organizations. Essential services like healthcare, education, and financial transactions are disrupted, exacerbating existing crises. Furthermore, these shutdowns hinder the ability of journalists and human rights organizations to document and report on human rights abuses, creating a climate of impunity.

The article argues that these internet shutdowns represent a significant threat to democratic principles and freedom of expression. They are a symptom of authoritarian tendencies and a deliberate effort to control the narrative, prevent collective action, and maintain power. The author suggests that increased international scrutiny and coordinated efforts are needed to hold governments accountable for these actions and ensure that access to the internet is recognized as a fundamental human right.

find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/10/04/ohjz-o04.html