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Why do governments shut down the internet?

Why do governments shut down the internet – and what happens when it gets turned off?

Why do governments shut down the internet – and what happens when it gets turned off? Data published by the international digital rights organisation Access Now shows that internet shutdowns have been increasing in the last five years. This series follows the work of campaigner Felicia Anthonio, who leads the #KeepItOn campaign for Access Now. Her job is to identify and verify internet shutdowns as they happen, and tell the world about it.

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The Shutdown: Elections

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Elections

09/03/2022 GMT

BBC World Service - The Shutdown, Elections

Why do internet shut downs happen during elections and what is the impact on democracy?

Why do internet shut downs often happen during elections and what is the impact on democracy?

National and regional elections have frequently coincided with internet shutdowns or disruption. Shutdowns can occur whilst polls are open, or are sometimes imposed in response to protests that follow election results.

National elections were held on 12 August 2021 in Zambia, and part way through voting, access to WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter was blocked. We hear from young voters in Lusaka about how the social media blocks affected them.

Reporting in Lusaka by Mutuna Chanda
Producer: Beatrice Pickup

(Photo: A woman fills her ballot at a polling station in Lusaka on 12 August, 2021. Credit: Patrick Meinhardt/AFP/Getty Images)

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