Technology

Ethiopia’s internet shutdowns, hate speech bill worries U.N. expert

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 03:11 pm

A United Nations expert on the freedom of expression said he has urged Ethiopian officials to stop shutting down the internet.
David Kaye, the U.N.’s special rapporteur on the right to freedom of opinion and expression, told reporters in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, that he is concerned with the frequent internet shutdowns carried out by the government.
“I’ve also experienced an internet shut down here in Ethiopia in the past week,” he said, referring to a brief shutdown on Dec. 5 that Ethiopian officials said was to stop a cyber-attack targeting the country’s financial institutions.
“ I want to strongly urge the government to not use internet shutdown as a tool. I’ve asked several times ‘Where do you have the authority in law to shut down the internet?’ Nobody could give me an answer. ”
Ethiopia has shut down the internet nine times in 2019, mostly during national exams and public protests, he said.
“Internet shutdowns are almost always in violation of the right to freedom of opinion and expression,” said Kaye. “I want to strongly urge the government to not use internet shutdown as a tool. I’ve asked several times ‘Where do you have the authority in law to shut down the internet?’ Nobody could give me an answer.”
Ethiopia is one of several African countries that have blocked the internet or specific social media sites during elections or periods of crisis.
Kaye stressed that social media platforms like Facebook and YouTube have a relatively small presence in Ethiopia right now but they have an “extraordinary responsibility” to moderate contents to make sure postings are accurate.
Kaye praised the reforms implemented by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who recently won the Nobel Peace Prize for achieving peace with neighboring Eritrea.
“This is a remarkable moment in Ethiopia with all sorts of reforms happening in the country,” he said, adding that it is the first time since 2006 that a U.N. special rapporteur of his kind was invited into the country.
He said, however, that more reforms are needed. “I’ve expressed my concern regarding the draft hate speech and disinformation law as it may inadvertently criminalize public debate,” he said.
AP

Albert Echetah

Recent Posts

Florida Residents Fight New Trash Incinerator Over Health and Justice Concerns

In September, Florida residents crowded a government meeting to oppose plans for a massive trash incinerator in Miami-Dade County. Protesters…

December 24, 2024

Mozambican court confirms presidential election results

While the Constitutional Council recognised the existence of irregularities in the election, it considered that they did not significantly alter…

December 24, 2024

Pipeline Oil Leaks Spark Concerns in Southern Nigeria

Locals in southern Nigeria claim that the pipeline oil spills are becoming more frequent and endangering the lives of nearby…

December 23, 2024

Slovak PM meets Putin in unannounced Moscow visit

The Prime Minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico, made a surprise visit to Moscow for talks with Vladimir Putin, becoming the…

December 23, 2024

Africa and GCC Trade Doubles to $121 Billion

Trade between African and GCC countries stands at $ 121 billion in 2023, double of what it was in 2016.…

December 22, 2024

Families in Mayotte rebuilding their homes complain of lack of help

Family members struggling after one week after  of Cyclone Chido ripped through the French island territory of Mayotte expressed helplessness…

December 21, 2024

This website uses cookies.