Telecom Companies Face Scrutiny Over Role in Suppressing Protests

• African governments are increasingly using internet shutdowns and surveillance to suppress dissent and civil protests.
• Telecommunications providers act as gatekeepers, frequently complying with government mandates to sever connectivity or share user data, often neglecting their human rights responsibilities.
• Major companies including MTN, Vodacom, Safaricom, and Zain have been identified as contributors to network blackouts during periods of unrest.

Case Studies and Human Rights Impact

• Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Republic of Congo: Recurring internet throttling and shutdowns during election cycles.
• Alleged Complicity: MTN in Congo-Brazzaville was accused of allowing the Presidential Security Directorate (DGSP) to use its messaging infrastructure to target political dissidents.
• Collateral Consequences: Beyond impacting protesters, shutdowns prevent citizens from accessing critical services like emergency medical help and law enforcement.

Accountability and Advocacy

• Opacity in licensing and spectrum agreements between governments and telcos facilitates a lack of corporate accountability.
• Advocacy Efforts:
  • Legal Action: Efforts to hold companies accountable for human rights violations, similar to the lawsuit against Telenor regarding the military junta in Myanmar.
  • Corporate Transparency: Demanding higher standards for data protection and service continuity through research, advocacy, and direct pressure.
  • Documentation as Protest: Recording company policies and state actions serves as a crucial act of resistance against disinformation and government overreach.