Dear Colleagues,

As you’re probably aware, internet shutdowns are dangerous acts of digital authoritarianism. In 2021, authorities deliberately shut down the internet at least 182 times across 34 countries — a dramatic increase compared to the year prior. 

I’m excited to share Access Now’s new report launching today, The return of digital authoritarianism: internet shutdowns in 2021. In it, we break down where and how authorities used internet shutdowns to stifle populations during protests, political turmoil, coups, elections, wars and conflict, and school exams throughout the course of last year.

Read the full report, global snapshot, and press release. You can also reTweet us here. 

Please reach out with any questions, for background information, or to organise an interview with one of our Access Now experts. Thank you, and do share widely within your networks. 

Best,

Bridget.