tech
The Guardian view on the splinternet: where China led, Iran and others are eagerly following
Authoritarian states are increasingly shutting off or throttling access to the internet, creating separate spheres in a realm built on connection
TL;DR
- Authoritarian states are creating separate internet spheres, fragmenting the global network.
- China is a pioneer in 'cyber sovereignty,' exporting censorship technologies and expertise.
- Iran and other countries are adopting similar internet control measures.
- Internet shutdowns reached a record high in the past year, often occurring during crises.
- While shutdowns can be economically devastating, more sophisticated methods involve restricting access to specific platforms and promoting domestic alternatives.
- Digital freedom activists face challenges as funding for their work is cut, and democracies should support efforts to hold tech companies accountable in authoritarian states.
- The rise of the splinternet damages digital freedoms and the fundamental human right to information and expression.