Elections and the Internet: free, fair and open? | IGF 2023 Town Hall #39

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The analysis highlights several key points concerning internet shutdowns and information control in Congo. During the 2021 elections, the government not only blocked the internet but also telecommunications, justifying this action as a measure against foreign interference and misinformation. However, this move has been widely criticized as an attempt by the government to control the flow of information.

Furthermore, anti-terrorism and cyber-criminality laws have been used to suppress opposition in Congo.

Activists were arrested based on their social media posts during the internet shutdowns, raising concerns about the government’s use of legal mechanisms to target dissent and stifle freedom of speech.

The government of Congo is seeking assistance from the Republic of China to acquire advanced tools for internet control, such as a firewall.

However, this approach lacks technological sophistication, highlighting the need for aid in developing domestic technology and innovation.

One important argument made is that tech companies like META should play a role in preventing the spread of misinformation, particularly during elections.

Through collaboration with META, Congo was able to establish the Congo Fact Check initiative, demonstrating the positive impact of cooperation between tech companies and local organizations.

Civil society organizations also have a crucial role in moderating hate speech and misinformation online.

In Congo, META worked with civil society organizations to create a task force on elections, addressing hate speech and misinformation from both the opposition and government. The involvement of civil society organizations can serve as a middle ground, reducing the perceived need for the government to impose internet shutdowns.

Additionally, it is emphasized that big corporations should be encouraged to participate more actively in online moderation efforts.

It is noted that these corporations often have a reactive approach to tackling online misinformation. By reaching out to them, local civil society organizations can facilitate their involvement in countering online misinformation and make their efforts more proactive.

In conclusion, the analysis reveals a concerning pattern of internet shutdowns and information control in Congo, which is seen as an attempt by the government to control the narrative during elections.

There is a call for tech companies, civil society organizations, and big corporations to proactively work together to prevent the spread of misinformation and hate speech. By doing so, the likelihood of internet shutdowns can be reduced, ensuring the protection of freedom of speech and public access to information.

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The speakers discussed several key aspects related to free and fair elections and the issue of internet shutdowns. They emphasised the importance of communication and the role it plays in ensuring fair elections. They highlighted the significance of the internet, GSM networks, and blockchain networks as essential tools for facilitating communication during election processes.

Additionally, they emphasised the need for independent observers, journalists, and international organisations to monitor elections and ensure their fairness. These independent entities play a crucial role in preventing election fraud and promoting transparency.

Another critical aspect discussed was the use of blockchain technology in elections.

The speakers highlighted the immutability of election results that can be achieved by leveraging blockchain technology. They stressed that this feature is essential in guaranteeing the credibility of election outcomes. Furthermore, they emphasised the role of cryptographic protection in ensuring the security and safety of the election process.

Robust cryptographic measures can prevent tampering or manipulation of sensitive election data.

Scalability was identified as another crucial component of free and fair elections. The speakers pointed out that a scalable network is necessary to efficiently manage a large number of voters, such as a population of 300 million.

This ensures that the election process can accommodate a significant number of participants without any disruptions or technical limitations.

While the discussion mainly focused on the positive aspects of communication, independent observers, blockchain technology, and scalability, there were also concerns raised regarding the resorting to internet shutdowns by governments.

The speakers highlighted that governments sometimes lack alternative tools to address legitimate concerns and therefore turn to internet shutdowns as a means of control. This practice was seen as problematic as it limits citizens’ access to information and disrupts the democratic process.

The potential economic impact of internet shutdowns was also discussed.

Lack of reliable connectivity was identified as a significant factor that creates a difficult investment climate. Internet shutdowns and restrictions on data flows were acknowledged as factors that negatively affect a country’s economy.

The Internet Society’s efforts in developing a tool called Pulse to track and provide information on internet shutdowns and data flows were applauded.

This tool aims to support activists and democracy by providing digestible information that can help address concerns related to internet shutdowns.

The concerns about potential misuse and the legitimisation of internet shutdowns for specific cases were also raised.

It was acknowledged that the legitimisation of internet shutdowns during religious ceremonies or events that might incite violence could encourage misuse of this strategy by other governments. This highlighted the need to explore solutions to address structural issues within governments that may lead to internet shutdowns.

Furthermore, the speakers identified the spread of disinformation as a significant challenge during elections.

Disinformation was acknowledged as damaging to the image of political leaders and the democratic process as a whole. It was proposed that internet service providers should be held responsible for controlling the spread of disinformation, and artificial intelligence could be used as a tool to achieve this.

Lastly, the role of digital technology in promoting government accountability and responsiveness was emphasised.

It was suggested that the use of digital technology can enhance the accountability of governments, making them more responsive to the needs and concerns of citizens.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the multifaceted nature of free and fair elections.

It was concluded that a comprehensive approach involving governments, internet service providers, political parties, and citizens is necessary to ensure the integrity of electoral processes. The discussions also shed light on the challenges and potential solutions related to internet shutdowns, disinformation, and the use of digital technology in elections.

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The discussion revolves around the detrimental effects of internet shutdowns and the importance of safeguarding online rights. The primary argument is that the rights people enjoy offline should not be diminished when they are online. This argument is supported by the agreement at the UN General Assembly that there should be equality between online and offline rights.

It is emphasised that internet shutdowns have a negative impact on communication, as they silence the entire population by cutting off their access to the internet.

Another argument put forward is that internet shutdowns exacerbate the problem of disinformation.

This is because during shutdowns, state TV or selective channels often remain functional, thereby monopolising the sources of information available to the public. This concentration of information sources leads to a limited pool of information and increases the likelihood of disinformation spreading.

The inability to access fact-based information compromises people’s right to access accurate information and undermines the integrity of elections.

The discussions also highlight the need for cross-context learning to effectively counter disinformation. It is suggested that there is considerable overlap in the types of disinformation narratives spread across different electoral contexts.

To address this challenge, there is a call for organisations working in vulnerable contexts to learn from other contexts and enhance their preparedness for countering disinformation. This entails shifting efforts from response to prevention and providing fact-based information at an earlier stage.

Furthermore, risk forecasting is deemed crucial in addressing potential internet shutdowns.

The discussions stress that by the time an internet shutdown takes place, it is often too late to take substantial action. Therefore, organisations need to map out potential risks and adjust their plans accordingly to minimise the impact of such shutdowns.

Additionally, the analysis reveals that election technology, including blockchain, can become targets for disinformation.

While the details and evidence supporting this argument are not provided, it is suggested that election technologies may be vulnerable to misinformation campaigns, potentially undermining the credibility and integrity of elections.

Overall, there is a strong positive stance that internet shutdowns should be fought against.

The primary reason cited is that these shutdowns impede the ability of fact-checkers and journalists to perform their roles effectively, thereby undermining freedom of information. The importance of preserving online rights and resisting the negative consequences of internet shutdowns is emphasised throughout the discussions.

In conclusion, the expanded summary delves into the various arguments and evidence related to the negative consequences of internet shutdowns and the imperative to protect online rights.

Additionally, the need for cross-context learning, risk forecasting, and the vulnerability of election technology are addressed. The overall message conveys the importance of combating internet shutdowns and their detrimental impact on freedom of information and the integrity of elections.

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Internet shutdowns have become a widespread problem globally, with detrimental effects on lives and democratic processes. The Keep It On campaign, which aims to combat internet shutdowns, has recorded over 1,200 incidents of shutdowns in approximately 76 countries since 2016. These shutdowns are typically carried out by state actors during critical moments such as elections, protests, and conflicts.

One of the main concerns regarding internet shutdowns is their impact on democratic processes, particularly during elections.

The internet plays a crucial role in enabling active participation and promoting transparency and fairness in electoral proceedings. However, when shutdowns occur, it becomes challenging to effectively monitor and ensure the integrity of electoral processes.

Governments often justify these shutdowns as a necessary national security measure to prevent the spread of misinformation.

However, in practice, the opposite tends to occur. Shutdowns tend to benefit incumbent governments, as they can control the flow of information and stifle opposition voices. This, in turn, often sparks public outrage and protests. Incidents in countries like Uganda, Belarus, and the Republic of Congo serve as examples of how shutdowns have been used for political gains and to suppress dissent.

Addressing this issue requires the collaboration of various stakeholders, including businesses, big tech companies, and governments.

The fight against internet shutdowns necessitates a multi-stakeholder approach, emphasizing the importance of secure, open, free, and inclusive internet access during critical moments such as elections.

Furthermore, it is crucial to highlight that internet shutdowns do not contribute to resolving crises.

On the contrary, they tend to exacerbate the situations at hand. Shutdowns provide an opportunity for governments and perpetrators to commit crimes with impunity. Moreover, in conflict situations, shutting down the internet in response to flagged dangerous content ultimately escalates the crisis.

The Keep It On Coalition, a prominent advocate against shutdowns, strongly condemns all forms of internet shutdowns.

In addition, they call upon big tech companies to exercise responsibility in promptly removing violent content to ensure people’s safety.

In conclusion, internet shutdowns are an escalating issue that negatively affects lives and democratic processes. The Keep It On campaign’s documentation of a significant number of shutdown incidents highlights the magnitude of the problem.

The justifications used by governments for shutdowns often raise concerns about political motivations and human rights violations. Tackling this issue necessitates collaborative efforts between various stakeholders, and it is essential to prioritize secure, open, and inclusive internet access during critical moments.

Additionally, internet shutdowns have been observed to worsen crises rather than resolve them, underlining the need for alternative approaches. The condemnation of shutdowns by organizations like the Kipiton Coalition further emphasizes the importance of combating this issue and ensuring the responsible conduct of big tech companies in safeguarding online spaces.

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Internet shutdowns have a significant impact on the flow of information, freedom of expression, and human rights. These shutdowns not only hinder individuals’ ability to express themselves online but also threaten the exercise of human rights. It is important to consider internet shutdowns in the context of broader issues, such as media freedom and misinformation.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Freedom Online Coalition issued a joint statement focusing on internet shutdowns and elections.

The UK has taken a leading role in addressing this problem by leading a Task Force on Internet Shutdowns as part of the Freedom Online Coalition. This collaborative approach involves stakeholders such as the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, Access Now, and the Global Network Initiative.

The Task Force, chaired by Kanbar Hossein-Bor, advocates for a multi-stakeholder approach to effectively tackle internet shutdowns and disruptions.

Internet shutdowns not only impact individual rights but also pose a threat to the wider democratic process. By restricting access to the internet, these shutdowns hinder the exercise of offline rights online.

Additionally, the economic costs incurred by societies affected by internet shutdowns are substantial.

Despite the challenges, there is a strong desire to support policymakers who may lack the capacity, but not the intent, to address internet shutdowns. This recognizes the need for collaborative efforts between various actors to tackle this issue effectively.

In the face of those with ulterior motives, it is crucial to stand firm and uphold principles of open internet access and the protection of human rights.

The comprehensive impact of internet shutdowns has been highlighted by the Oxford statement, and the launch of the FOC statement further emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue.

In conclusion, internet shutdowns pose a grave threat to the free flow of information, freedom of expression, and human rights.

Addressing this issue requires a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach, as advocated by Kanbar Hossein-Bor and demonstrated through the Task Force on Internet Shutdowns led by the UK. Policymakers must prioritize efforts to combat internet shutdowns, even when capacity is limited, but there is a strong intent to address the issue.

It is essential to remain steadfast in the face of those seeking to restrict access to information and suppress rights.

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Internet shutdowns are increasingly seen as necessary measures to address concerns related to elections, such as interference, disinformation, and post-election violence. Research carried out in Africa has shown a growing acceptance of internet shutdowns as a means of controlling election-related issues.

Historical practices like banning opinion polls and political campaigning near voting day have also contributed to this acceptance.

Governments in the global South express frustration with the perceived lack of response, engagement, and oversight from large social media companies.

Internet shutdowns are viewed as a form of resistance and sovereignty against the dominance of these companies, which are often based in distant countries. This dynamic highlights the tensions between governments and technology companies in terms of information governance.

The decision to implement internet shutdowns is partly influenced by a lack of information literacy.

Governments with limited experience and understanding of online content moderation may resort to internet shutdowns as a response. Oxford University has launched a training program aimed at increasing information literacy among policymakers and judges, promoting a better balance of competing rights and addressing information disorder within a human rights framework.

The goal is to reduce reliance on internet shutdowns as a solution.

Policymakers in peripheral markets, such as Ethiopia and the Central African Republic, struggle to understand and engage with technology companies. This observation underscores the difficulties faced by policymakers in regions with limited presence and engagement, in contrast to countries like Germany, which have embassies in Silicon Valley.

The complexities of the relationship between policymakers and technology companies contribute to the challenges of addressing issues like internet shutdowns.

In conflict-affected regions, internet shutdowns are becoming accepted by local populations as a means to combat online hate speech and incitement to violence.

Research carried out in conflict-prone areas of Ethiopia shows that locals prefer internet shutdowns as a way to avoid exposure to harmful online content. The acceptance of internet shutdowns in these regions arises from a lack of effective alternatives to address widespread hate speech and incitement to violence online.

Overall, while internet shutdowns are increasingly seen as a response to election-related concerns, the lack of information literacy and strained relationships between governments and technology companies contribute to their implementation.

However, efforts to enhance information literacy among policymakers and judges through training programs, such as the one initiated by Oxford University, offer a promising approach to reducing reliance on internet shutdowns. Finding effective and sustainable solutions beyond internet shutdowns requires striking a balance between addressing concerns and protecting rights within a human rights framework.

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Increased internet disruptions during elections have a detrimental impact on the work of ground observers and pose a serious threat to domestic observer networks. These networks play a crucial role in reporting on electoral processes and collecting vital data. The disruption of internet services hampers their operation, making it difficult to effectively monitor elections and gather accurate information.

Moreover, observers on the ground face higher risks, including the risk of being arrested.

This underscores the urgent need to safeguard them and provide them with the necessary tools to measure and report data effectively. Without adequate protection and support, these observers may be deterred from carrying out their important work, compromising transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

The importance of political parties and policymakers engaging in the process is also highlighted.

Attendees at the FIFA Africa event in Tanzania displayed interest in the issue, emphasising the need for their active involvement. It is crucial for political parties and policymakers to recognize the significance of internet disruptions during elections and take proactive measures to address this issue.

Early collaboration is essential, with a particular focus on data collection relating to the economic and social impacts of shutdowns.

The repercussions of internet shutdowns extend beyond the electoral process and can have a significant negative impact on healthcare and various economic sectors within a country. Therefore, it is essential to gather comprehensive data on these impacts to understand the full extent of the problem and develop effective strategies to mitigate them.

Training programs for politicians and political parties can also be instrumental in preparing them for potential shutdowns and equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively.

Accurate data that reflects the specific local context is vital in reports related to internet shutdowns.

It is crucial that policy decisions are based on accurate and contextually relevant information, as the impact of internet disruptions can vary greatly between different regions and countries. The work being done through the Summit for Democracy highlights the recognition of this need and the ongoing efforts to ensure that data used for policymaking accurately portrays the local realities and challenges associated with internet shutdowns.

Collaboration between various stakeholders, including policymakers, civil society, internet service providers, technology platforms, strategic litigators, and international organizations, is paramount.

Given the complex and multifaceted nature of internet disruptions during elections, a collaborative approach is necessary to address the issue effectively. All these actors must come together and share their resources, expertise, and data to build a comprehensive case and develop robust strategies for combating internet shutdowns, particularly during election times.

Furthermore, the platform created by the Internet Society is highly valued and supports the measurement of the cost of internet shutdowns.

This platform plays a crucial role in helping to quantify the economic impact of internet disruptions and provides valuable insights into the true costs of such disruptions. By highlighting the financial consequences, the Internet Society facilitates a deeper understanding of the gravity of the issue and advocates for necessary actions to prevent or mitigate internet shutdowns.

In conclusion, increased internet disruptions during elections pose serious challenges for ground observers and domestic observer networks.

It is imperative to protect and support these observers, provide them with effective tools, and engage political parties and policymakers in addressing this issue. Early collaboration, accurate data collection, and collaboration between various stakeholders are all crucial aspects of combating internet shutdowns during elections.

The platform created by the Internet Society is instrumental in measuring the cost of internet shutdowns and emphasizes the need for action.