An internet shutdown takes place usually when someone, mostly government, intentionally distorts the internet to take control over what people say or do. Internet shutdowns can be of two types, total -> where access to everything is blocked, partial -> where certain websites like Twitter,Facebook etc. are blocked. Nowadays total shutdowns are a rare phenomena as it poses huge economic loss to the country. But partial shutdowns are taking place often in Asia, Central & East Africa. Even in 2019, internet shutdowns were reported across Bangladesh, Gabon, Sudan etc. The official reasons provided is for national security, public safety, etc. However with more elections on the way, happening from Nigeria to India many more shutdowns are expected.
Effects Of Internet Shutdown
The country growth also depends on the freedom provided to its internet users. By blocking the access to internet countries growth is hampered economically as well. Brookings Institution revealed that shutdowns occurred in 2015-2016 has costed economies $2.4 billion, which costed $968 million only to India of the total. With these internet shutdowns, a website has been devoted to track these phenomenon. The United Nations Human Rights Council in 2016 passed a resolution for protection of right to internet access. This rule condemns anyone that disrupts the internet access of its citizens intentionally.
How To Get Through An Internet Shutdown
Internet blackouts have increased a lot in recent times so we need to find a way to survive these. Although there is nothing you could do in a situation of total blackout but in case of partial black out there are some ways to remain online. Let’s find out:
Use Tor
A free open source software Tor, will protect you from all hackers and snoops who try to gain access to your online activity. A perfect anonymous tool to use on internet. Read our article Use VPN And Tor Together to know more about using Tor and VPN together.
Use Tools To Protect Your Privacy
HTTPS Everywhere is an extension you can use to secure your browsing on any specific website. Although the recommended browser is always Tor. More secure communication tools are also available like Signal to improvise on your security.
Use VPN
VPN encrypts your online data thereby evading hackers and snoops. You can unblock all censored websites by changing your location with just one click. VPN and Tor provides the best combination for ultimate anonymity and security. VPNShazam provides the ultra secure and ultra fast VPN experience with its 1800+ servers spread across 140+ countries. Our network therefore guarantees 99.9% up time and offers 300,000 IPs worldwide. All this at an amazing price of $2.5 per month. Click here and get VPNShazam now.
Once you are secure with these tools you can survive any partial shutdowns. Also do take care while using these tools as these tools are not allowed in few countries and its use could be penalised. Also check out article US VPN for online Security to learn more about online security.
