East and Central Africa: More Advocacy Needed for Progressive ICT Laws and Regulations

Statement |

Civil society representatives, lawyers, and journalists from East and Central Africa have called upon their governments to develop policies that protect citizens’ digital rights and promote the use of the internet for free expression and for pursuing economic and education opportunities. The call was made amidst growing concerns that an increasing number of African countries are taking measures that…

The Evolution of Internet Shutdowns in DR Congo

By Arsene Tungali |

In the past seven years, citizens in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have experienced a series of intentional interruptions to online communications, affecting the exercise of rights to freedom of expression and information as well as access to services.

The first shutdown of digital communications reported in DRC was in December 2011. The shutdown affected SMS, and…