IMS joins #KeepItOn campaign to fight internet shutdowns

International Media Support joins nearly 70 organisations from five continents in launching the #KeepitOn campaign to fight internet shutdowns worldwide.

What are internet shutdowns and why should we care?
An internet shutdown is an intentional disruption of internet or electronic communications, rendering them inaccessible or effectively unusable, for a specific population or within a location, often to exert control over the flow of information.

Internet shutdowns happen when governments order companies to cut off access to communications tools — like Twitter, SMS, or Facebook. Unfortunately, companies often comply with these government orders, even when they happen during elections.

Internet shutdowns pose a real threat to human rights around the world. They harm everyone: businesses, emergency services, journalism, human rights defenders, and demonstrators. They don’t help victims or restore order. Even worse, they’re increasing.

The #KeepitOn campaign aims to bring together voices from across the globe to push back on internet shutdowns at every level, from governments to telcos to tech companies to everyday internet users.

The campaign will challenge service providers to fight back against government shutdown requests; highlight the use of shutdowns during elections; and build consensus at the U.N. and other intergovernmental organisations that people have a basic right to access information and speak freely online.