Pakistan’s Digital Censorship—The Real Cost of Internet Disruptions

• by Annam Lodhi (islamabad)
• Wednesday, October 09, 2024
• Inter Press Service

The disruptions are said to continue until the end of October, what began as intermittent disruptions has turned into a widespread, prolonged issue, significantly affecting freelancers, students, businesses, and everyday life.

The internet, once a tool for empowerment, now mirrors Pakistan's deeper socio-political challenges, becoming a battleground for control and censorship. The slowdowns have disrupted the digital economy, highlighting the government's increasing control over internet access and turning a space of connectivity into one of political manipulation and restriction.

 When Did the Internet Start to Slow Down?

Internet censorship and shutdowns are not new to Pakistan, especially during politically sensitive periods. In 2023 alone, internet shutdowns cost Pakistan over Rs65 billion, affecting 83 million people and lasting 259 hours, according to Statista. Pakistan ranked 7th globally in economic losses from internet disruptions, with a total loss of USD 237.6 million.

The first major slowdown in mid-2024 was initially blamed on undersea cable repairs, a frequent issue in the past. However, as weeks passed and disruptions persisted, it became evident that the problem was far more deliberate and widespread. The government's vague justifications citing "national security" concerns only fueled public frustration and deepened suspicions about its true motives.

Opposition leaders brought the issue to the National Assembly, but the government's inconsistent responses did little to alleviate concerns. Many began to speculate that the slowdowns were part of a broader effort to control public discourse and limit the reach of specific content on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. "Internet shutdowns have become a tool for suppressing dissent," explains Fariha Aziz, co-founder of digital rights organization Bolo Bhi. "The government's lack of transparency and contradictory statements about what's happening makes it clear that there is more at play than just technical difficulties."

Direct removal of content from social media platforms remains impossible for the government; these disruptions seem to be aimed at slowing the flow of information and limiting the reach of critical posts. "The WhatsApp disruption was an eye opener," Aziz notes. "It showed us that the government has tested, tried, or put in place something more sophisticated than just throttling speeds."

Internet slowdowns and shutdowns have severely impacted the economy, with the country heavily reliant on digital infrastructure. Pakistan joins other countries like India, Russia, and Ethiopia, where internet blackouts have caused significant financial damage. Globally, Russia experienced the largest monetary loss, with over USD 4 billion in damages due to internet shutdowns in 2023. Neighboring countries like Bangladesh and India, where similar tactics have been employed to control dissent. In Myanmar, the situation has been even more extreme, with the junta using total internet blackouts to prevent communication and stifle opposition. The growing comparisons between Pakistan and Myanmar are alarming, raising concerns about the future of internet freedom in the country.

 A History of Internet Censorship

Amnesty International has expressed growing concern over the increasing use of surveillance technologies and internet disruptions to monitor online activities, especially during times of unrest. The lack of transparency and justification for these actions undermines citizens' right to freedom of expression.

"Internet shutdowns rarely meet the legal requirements of necessity and proportionality, making them unlawful under international human rights law," says Hajira Maryam, Media Manager at Amnesty Tech.

For activists, journalists, and researchers, staying safe during internet shutdowns has become increasingly critical. Hajira Maryam emphasizes the importance of digital security measures, stating, "Before a shutdown, individuals should secure their devices by enabling encryption, updating software, and using strong passcodes. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help bypass some blocks, but it is essential to understand the risks, as VPNs are often criminalized in certain contexts."

Amnesty International has called on Pakistani authorities to be transparent about the reasons behind internet disruptions and to avoid deploying unnecessary and disproportionate monitoring and surveillance systems that violate international human rights laws. Internet disruptions not only limit access to information and expression but also create anxiety within communities, including the Pakistani diaspora, who are often cut off from communication with their loved ones.

In line with international legal frameworks, Amnesty urges that any restrictions on internet access must be legal, necessary, proportionate, and time-bound. The United Nations Human Rights Council and Special Rapporteurs have condemned the use of internet shutdowns as unlawful restrictions on freedom of assembly and expression, stressing that such measures must not hinder peaceful gatherings or public expression, especially during times of political unrest.

 Freelancers on the Frontline

One of the most severely impacted groups is Pakistan's growing freelance workforce. Pakistan is ranked among the top five countries for freelancers globally, with thousands relying on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork to earn their livelihood. However, the internet slowdown has shattered their ability to deliver services reliably.

Umair Liaquat, a freelancer from Lahore who offers services related to advertisement management, began freelancing in 2020 after losing his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For two years, he successfully grew a top-rated Fiverr account, earning around USD 20,000 to USD 25,000. However, things took a downturn in 2024 when Pakistan's internet slowdown became worse.

"In March 2024, Fiverr downgraded Pakistani sellers, warning clients that due to internet issues, delivery might be delayed. My contacts started declining immediately. To get around this, I began using a VPN and changed my location to the USA, which helped temporarily," Umair explained.

Unfortunately, Fiverr disabled his account after detecting location inconsistency. After creating a new account, his business never regained the same traction due to firewall restrictions and frequent internet issues. This has left many freelancers, like Umair, scrambling to find alternative platforms and workarounds just to stay afloat.

Ali Raza, a business owner based in Karachi who works in the marketplace and recruitment space, echoed similar concerns. "In just a few months, I've lost over $20,000 in revenue because of slow internet. International clients can't communicate with us properly, which delays projects and results in lost contracts. In a highly competitive market, this is devastating."

The economic impact on freelancers is compounded by the fact that platforms like Fiverr and Upwork now rank Pakistan lower due to the country's unreliable internet infrastructure. This further discourages international clients from working with Pakistani freelancers.

Impact on Education

Pakistan's ongoing internet slowdown has severely impacted students across the country, exacerbating an already fragile education system that shifted online during the COVID-19 pandemic. With stable internet access crucial for millions of students, especially in rural areas, the disruptions have caused an educational crisis. Many students struggle to access lectures, participate in discussions, or submit assignments on time, significantly hindering their academic progress.

Wardah Noor, CEO of XWave, an online learning platform, shared her organization's challenges: "In August, we had 1,500 registrations for a 10-day IT boot camp, but due to internet disruptions, only 300 participants attended. This delay set us back by two months and raised operational costs significantly."

The impact is most pronounced in rural areas, where online education was the only viable option to bridge the educational divide. Now, the gap between urban and rural students has widened further, leaving those in remote areas with few alternatives. The global reach of education has also been compromised. Students enrolled in international programs have struggled to keep up with global timelines due to Pakistan's slow internet.

"The global market moves on, leaving our students behind," Wardah added.

Wardah also called for urgent government intervention to address the crisis. "Tech education without the internet is impossible. These disruptions have pushed us further from the dream of a ‘Digital Pakistan.' The government must prioritize improving internet accessibility, especially in rural areas."

Government's Role and Digital Control

As the internet crisis continues, the role of the government has come under increasing scrutiny. the PTA has now admitted to "tinkering" with the internet as part of an effort to upgrade a controversial web monitoring system. Many speculate that these measures are part of a broader strategy to control the flow of information, especially during times of political unrest.

During periods of political tension, the internet has been deliberately slowed down or shut off to curb protests and control public opinion. In 2023, for instance, following the arrest of a former Prime Minister, the government admitted to throttling the internet to suppress protests. Similar tactics are being deployed in 2024, with digital rights activists and opposition leaders calling out the government for using the internet as a tool of repression.

The internet slowdown has extended beyond professional and educational circles, affecting daily life in ways that were previously unimaginable. Simple tasks, such as banking, accessing healthcare services via telemedicine, and even staying in touch with loved ones abroad, have become more challenging.

 What Lies Ahead for Pakistan's Internet?

The internet slowdown in Pakistan has exposed critical vulnerabilities in the country's digital infrastructure. With the growing reliance on digital platforms for economic growth, education, and daily services, a stable internet connection is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Some efforts are being made to address these issues.

Companies like Meta have announced plans to invest in new undersea cables to improve internet speeds in Pakistan, but this raises concerns about the role of private companies in managing the country's internet infrastructure and its potential impact on digital sovereignty.

At the same time, civil society organizations, international watchdogs, and opposition leaders continue to press for accountability. Clear regulations and transparency are essential to ensure that internet disruptions are not used as tools of political control. The government must prioritize improving internet infrastructure and ensuring that citizens can access a reliable and stable internet, free from unnecessary censorship.

As Pakistan navigates this digital crisis, the government must confront difficult questions about the future of the internet in the country. Will it continue to be a battleground for political control, or will it become a space for freedom and innovation? The answers to these questions will shape the future of Pakistan's economy, education, and society for generations to come.

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© Inter Press Service (2024) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service

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