Basic rights in Africa under threat from ‘digital authoritarianism’
New research documents worrying rise in governments’ techniques to repress online activity
02 March 2021 - 19:32
Nairobi — From internet shutdowns and online surveillance to social media taxes and arrests for antigovernment posts, “digital authoritarianism” is a threat to basic freedoms and rights in many African countries, researchers say.
A study by the African Digital Rights Network (ADRN) focusing on 10 countries found governments used a plethora of measures over the past two decades to stifle people's ability to organise, voice opinions and participate in governance online...
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