There is no doubt that the internet has become an indispensable tool for communication and access to information. Unfortunately, governments and policy makers worldwide are increasingly resorting to internet shutdowns as a means to control narratives, quell dissent, and maintain authority.
Governments resort to internet shutdowns to silence dissent, control the narrative, and maintain authority. By cutting off communication channels and controlling access to information, authorities aim to suppress protests and ensure compliance with their agenda.
The impact is far-reaching, affecting citizens’ ability to express themselves freely and access vital information.
Voices in the shutdown
Key stakeholders justify internet shutdowns as necessary measures for maintaining public order and national security. However, critics argue that such actions infringe upon fundamental rights, stifling freedom of speech and impeding the free flow of information.
Striking a balance between security concerns and citizens’ rights remains a contentious issue in the ongoing dialogue surrounding internet governance.
How Governments shut down the Internet
Governments employ several methods to shut down the internet, ranging from extreme measures to more targeted approaches. Some of these methods include:
Network shutdown: The most severe method involves a complete internet blackout, achieved by forcing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to cut power or through remote activation of an “internet kill switch.”
BGP manipulation: By manipulating Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) routing tables, governments can make specific websites or apps appear inaccessible, offering a more targeted approach than a total blackout.
IP Address blocking: Governments block specific IP addresses to restrict access to particular websites or apps. However, this method may falter if the content is hosted on multiple IP addresses.
DNS filtering: Governments manipulate the Domain Name System (DNS) to make certain websites or apps seem non-existent, rendering them inaccessible even if users know the IP address.
Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): DPI inspects the contents of internet traffic, allowing governments to block specific types of data and throttle speeds for targeted applications, such as video or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
Protocol blocking: Governments can block specific protocols, like TCP/IP ports, to prevent access to particular apps, often focusing on instant messaging services or email.
How to navigate an Internet shutdown
In the face of partial or targeted internet shutdown, individuals can take proactive steps to stay connected and access information.
Use a VPN: Employing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts internet traffic, allowing users to bypass government censorship and access blocked websites or apps.
Utilize Tor: Tor, a free and open-source software, anonymizes online activity by routing internet traffic through a network of relays, making it difficult for anyone to track user behavior.
Embrace Signal: Signal, a secure messaging app, remains resilient against government censorship, providing a reliable means of communication during internet shutdowns.
Leverage Bluetooth Mesh networks: These decentralized networks enable communication without relying on the internet, making them ideal for coordinating protests or sharing information during a shutdown.
Adopt Roaming SIM Cards: In regions prone to frequent internet shutdowns, having a roaming SIM card from a neighboring country ensures continued online access even when local internet services are disrupted.
Explore Sneakernets: A human-powered network, sneakernets use physical devices to transfer data, offering a secure option for sharing important information that cannot be easily encrypted.
Conclusion
Understanding the methods employed by governments, the motivations behind such actions, and adopting practical strategies for staying connected empowers individuals to navigate these disruptions.
