You think it’s tense here in the USA? But try living in some African nations. The mass protests and turmoil are so big government leaders are shutting down the Internet. African online censorship: It’s widespread and common.
So in Cameroon, leaders turned off the Internet lights. They say it’s because of security measures. But this African online censorship has deeper meaning. Businesses can’t function without online service. International money can’t come in. In fact, it’s difficult for Cameroon people to contact relatives outside the country, without the Internet. In Gambia, they cut off international cell phone use. They also cut off the Internet. They did this under their president, Yahya Jammeh’s, strict orders. Also, keep in mind Jammah has a notorious reputation for human rights abuse.
In Congo, they blocked the Internet. Furthermore, they cut off all TV stations. ?They even shut down the major airports. There was an election that night. The Congo officials said they feared violence and riots. But reports say it was officials bombing their opponents. In Ethiopia, they shut down social media sites because of growing protests. And in Zimbabwe, after a few protests, they raised the prices on cellphones. I could go on and on.
But what does online African censorship have to do with us in Boston’s computer repair industry? In fact, what does it have to do with IT service at all? For years, we heard of Turkey and China using such tactics. But this is the United States of America. That can’t happen here, can it? I hope not. That’s one reason why I report these things. So we can be educated and make sure this kind of censorship does not come to America! You know, Edward Snowden addressed the issue. He took to Twitter stating, “This is the future of repression.” He’s right. But I’ll go further than that. I’ll say what Dr. Martin Luther King said: Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Shouldn’t this concern us?