The protests in Egypt have been featuring heavily in the news this week. We already heard that Twitter and Facebook had been blocked by Egyptian ISPs, and now it looks like the majority of access to the Internet in Egypt has been cut off.
According to the Guardian, it is the actual Internet service providers that are offline, and there are reports that there is just one ISP in Egypt with a working connection to the Internet.
It seems as much as 88 percent of Egypt’s Internet access is cut off, and it appears that this started to happen at around 10.30pm UK time last night.
Impact on Communication and Society
This is the first time that a country has cut off all access to the Internet. Previously, we have seen certain countries cut off access to specific websites like Facebook and Twitter. The decision to cut off the Internet in Egypt has had a profound impact on communication and society. The Internet is a crucial tool for organizing protests, sharing information, and garnering international support. By cutting off access, the Egyptian government aimed to stifle the protests and control the flow of information.
The blackout has not only affected protesters but also businesses, educational institutions, and everyday citizens who rely on the Internet for their daily activities. For instance, businesses that depend on online transactions and communications have faced significant disruptions. Educational institutions have struggled to continue their operations, especially those offering online courses or relying on digital resources.
Global Reactions and Technological Adaptations
The global community has reacted strongly to Egypt’s Internet blackout. Various human rights organizations have condemned the move, calling it a violation of freedom of expression and access to information. Governments and international bodies have also expressed concern, urging the Egyptian authorities to restore Internet access.
In response to the blackout, tech-savvy individuals and organizations have sought alternative ways to communicate and share information. For example, some have turned to satellite phones and radio communications. Others have used proxy servers and virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass the restrictions. Additionally, tech companies and activists have developed tools to help Egyptians reconnect to the Internet, such as dial-up connections and mesh networks.
The situation in Egypt has highlighted the importance of the Internet as a fundamental right and a critical infrastructure. It has also sparked discussions about the role of technology in social movements and the ethical responsibilities of governments and corporations in ensuring access to information.
The Internet blackout in Egypt has had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the protesters but also the broader society. It has underscored the significance of the Internet in modern life and the need to protect access to information as a fundamental right. The global response and technological adaptations demonstrate the resilience and ingenuity of people in the face of such challenges.
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