In the current global landscape of 2026, internet shutdowns have evolved into a standard tool for state-led subversion. Governments in Iran and Uganda have already enforced severe blackouts this year to stifle dissent, Iran to mask a crackdown on inflation-related protests and Uganda to control the narrative during a general election. As centralized infrastructure remains…
A rising trend towards government-enforced internet shutdowns – with at least 300 incidents in more than 54 countries over the last two years – is prompting renewed warnings from the UN about the threat these digital blackouts pose to freedom of expression, access to information and human rights. In a statement issued this week, UNESCO…
Between 2016 and 2024, there were 193 internet shutdowns imposed in 41 African countries. This form of social control is a growing trend in the continent, according to a new open-access source book. It has provided the first-ever comparative analysis of how and why African states use blackouts – written by African researchers. The book,…
Eskom does not expect any load shedding this summer, according to energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. The so-called “unplanned capability loss factor” for summer has increased by 2GW to 15GW. Ahead of winter, the utility had warned if it was above 13GW, there would be a return to load shedding. “We are very bullish about the…
