What is Blocking and Filtering of Content?
Module 3: Access to the Internet
Although a less drastic measure than a complete internet shutdown, the blocking and filtering of content online can also hinder the full enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression.
Blocking/filtering has been defined as follows:
“[T]he difference between “filtering” and “blocking” is a matter of scale and perspective.
- Filtering is commonly associated with the use of technology that blocks pages by reference to certain characteristics, such as traffic patterns, protocols or keywords, or on the basis of their perceived connection to content deemed inappropriate or unlawful;
- Blocking, by contrast, usually refers to preventing access to specific websites, domains, IP addresses, protocols or services included on a blacklist.”(1)
There have been several examples of blocking and/or filtering across the continent:
- In 2023 Gabon was reported as having blocked access to social media platforms on the day of elections. 4 days later, access was restored along with the announcement by military officers that they had taken over power of the country.(2) Gabon is unfortunately far from the only African country to implement such techniques in recent years.
- Similar social media blocks have been implemented over election times in Zambia,(3) Uganda,(4) and Cameroon.(5)
- In 2018, after an extensive period of blocking a long list of websites, including media outlets and prominent websites known for their reporting on protests in the country, the Ethiopian government unblocked 264 websites, although instances of blocking of social media occurred again in 2022.(6)
- In 2021, the Eswatini government ordered all operators to suspend access to certain social media sites as they were being used to “spread misinformation” contributing to violence around the country.(7) However, this and other internet disruptions at the time are reported to have been ordered in order to quell pro-democracy protests and reports about police brutality.(8)