政府互联网关闭正在发生变化。公民和民主国家应该如何回应 ？

Government Internet Shutdowns: A Growing Global Phenomenon and Strategies for Response

Summary

Global internet shutdowns, employed by governments to suppress mass protests, manage election outcomes, reinforce military actions, or isolate conflict zones, remain a persistent issue, with incidences steadily increasing over recent years. Key trends indicate:

• Frequency: Incidents of internet shutdowns have remained high, with counts of 196 in 2018, 213 in 2019, and 155 in 2020. The first five months of 2021 saw 50 shutdown incidents.
• Event Types: Shutdowns are often associated with mass demonstrations, military operations, elections, communal violence, religious holidays, and school exams.
• Russian Example: Russia's recent actions, including blocking major platforms and news websites, signify the evolving tactics in authoritarian regimes.

Strategies for Counteracting Internet Shutdowns

Citizen Strategies:

• Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Useful for accessing blocked sites via proxy servers, especially during targeted shutdowns.
• Private Servers: Offered by projects like Outline, these permit secure server establishment globally, facilitating sharing among users.
• Mesh Networks: Particularly helpful during total internet blackouts, allowing peer-to-peer communication through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
• Serverless Circumvention Tools: Programs like Intra, GoodbyeDPI, Green Tunnel, and Geneva enable internet access without reliance on third-party servers.

Strategies for Democracies:

• Preparation: Encouraging citizens to download censorship-resistant tools before risks arise.
• Accessibility: Simplifying installation processes to increase usage.
• Complementary Strategies: Combining technological solutions with non-technical approaches.
• Raising Costs: Applying reputational and legal pressures on governments and companies to deter shutdown implementation.

Conclusion

With the rise in internet shutdowns, a global consensus has emerged emphasizing their importance in the realms of freedom of expression and association. Democracies and civil society must develop a comprehensive strategy that includes preparation, accessibility, complementary actions, and cost-raising measures to effectively counteract these trends. This approach not only supports affected populations but also pushes back against the encroachment of internet control by authoritarian regimes.