Access to social media platforms in Mozambique was restricted for the second time in a week, as confirmed by Surfshark’s Research Hub in an email to Innovation Village. This latest shutdown comes amidst calls for strikes by the opposition, who are contesting the results of the recent presidential election.
“We can confirm social media restrictions have been imposed in Mozambique,” stated Surfshark’s Research Hub, adding that the restriction affected Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. This incident follows a previous disruption of mobile internet traffic on October 25th, during protests that erupted after the announcement of the election results.
According to Surfshark’s Internet Shutdown Tracker, these are the first two instances of internet restrictions recorded in Mozambique since tracking began in 2015. This escalating situation raises concerns about the government’s increasing tendency to control the flow of information, especially during critical political events.
The repeated disruptions to internet access in Mozambique align with a worrying trend across Africa, where governments often resort to internet shutdowns during elections or periods of civil unrest. These shutdowns aim to stifle dissent and control the narrative, but they also have far-reaching consequences for freedom of expression, access to information, and economic activity.
Globally, Facebook and WhatsApp are the most frequently targeted platforms for government-imposed restrictions. Surfshark’s data reveals that 46% of the global population has experienced Facebook disruptions, while 45% have faced disruptions to WhatsApp. Protests are a leading cause of these shutdowns, with Facebook alone being disrupted nearly 40 times since 2015 in response to protests worldwide.
Mozambique’s actions highlight a growing concern about internet freedom in the digital age. Governments must be more transparent about their internet shutdown and censorship practices. Cutting off citizens’ access to information not only erodes democratic principles but also stifles the free flow of information, harming society’s well-being.
