Shutting down the internet shuts down your right to know

ON 28 September, the world marks both World News Day and the International Day for Universal Access to Information.

- By Winnie KAMAU

Internet and media shutdowns silence both citizens and journalists

For many African countries, these days have always been marked with a realm of hope but in the recent past, it is a reminder of a worrying trend.

When events become politically sensitive or socially tense, governments sometimes respond by shutting down the internet or silencing broadcasters, cutting off the audience; this action severs access to credible news precisely when the public’s need for it is greatest.

Misinformation and disinformation are rampant on social media platforms such as TikTok Live, which have become an alternative source of truth for many.

In Kenya on 25 June 2025, the Communications Authority (CA) ordered all media stations to cease live coverage of Gen Z-led protests, warning that noncompliance could result in their broadcast signals being switched off. Reports and widely circulated social media images showed CA staff deactivating free-to-air signals and taking NTV and KTN transmission stations off-air.

This move silenced real-time reporting and public discussion during a critical moment in the nation’s democratic engagement.

Similarly, in Malawi, internet blackouts during protests have restricted information flow, limiting citizens’ access to trusted sources and journalists’ ability to report freely.

These shutdowns not only block access to facts but also create fertile ground for misinformation and rumours to spread, as people turn to unreliable sources in the absence of verified news.