In a recent report by Surfshark, a Lithuania-based virtual private network company, Pakistan has been ranked third in the Global Internet Restrictions during the first half of 2023. The analysis of internet shutdowns based on the Internet Shutdown Tracker exposes worrying trends about internet freedom and access in the country.
Government-Imposed Restrictions
The report highlights that Pakistan was responsible for three out of the 42 new internet restrictions worldwide. These restrictions were imposed following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan on May 9. Consequently, access to major social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube was curtailed, and temporary cellular network disruptions wernfl jerseys nike air max shoes Human Hair Wigs jordan 1 for sale wigs store cheap jerseys custom mlb jerseys mens adidas ultraboost popular sex toys custom nfl jersey cheap human hair wigs custom baseball jersey human hair wigs nike air jordan low cowboys jersey e observed across the country for several days.
Leading the List
Pakistan’s position as the third-highest country for internet restrictions places it behind Iran and India, with Asia witnessing the majority of internet shutdowns. The report also draws attention to India’s internet shutdowns, with 11 instances recorded in the same period, including two separate shutdowns in ‘Jammu and Kashmir.’
Causes of Restrictions
Protests emerged as the main cause of government-imposed internet restrictions, with more than two-thirds of new disruptions attributed to public outrage over social and political issues. This survey underscores the significance of the internet as the primary battleground for vital information during periods of civil unrest.
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Overview of Apps Restricted
Facebook faced significant restrictions in several countries, including Pakistan, along with Ethiopia, Guinea, Senegal, and Suriname. Telegram, Instagram, and YouTube also encountered restrictions in four countries, while WhatsApp and Twitter faced limitations in three countries each. Interestingly, TikTok was only restricted in Ethiopia, although the United States is expected to join the list of countries banning the platform.
Global Trends
Surprisingly, despite the decline in global internet disruption cases by 31% compared to the first half of 2022, the number of countries imposing restrictions increased from 13 to 14. Asia led the world in internet disruptions, accounting for 71% of new global cases, affecting an estimated 2.35 billion people worldwide.
The Surfshark report sheds light on the alarming state of internet freedom and access in Pakistan and the broader global landscape. The increasing number of internet restrictions and the significant impact on user access and information exchange call for urgent attention and collective efforts to preserve internet freedom while addressing the concerns of public safety and security. As digital interactions continue to shape our world, it is essential to strike a balance between safeguarding individual rights and maintaining a safe online environment.
