Often defined as intentional partial or total disruptions of the internet or electronic communications, internet shutdowns are exploited by regimes to suppress dissent or impede communications during times of unrest. While the non-financial cost is measured in terms of human rights violations and obstruction of democratic processes and political stability, internet restrictions also cause a significant burden for the economy.
The results published by Top 10 VPN for 2021 reveal that internet shutdowns were most costly for Myanmar, amounting to US$ 2.5 billion. The average duration of an internet outage is estimated at 5,710 hours and is said to have so far affected 22 million people. The second infamous place is held by Nigeria with more than 100 million people being offline for more than 1,600 hours, causing a loss of US$ 433 million. India ranks third with a financial loss equivalent to US$ 368 million and some 17 million internet users being affected. For the remaining countries, the economic costs were significantly lower, but some 20 million people were nonetheless concerned.
In addition to Iran, recent reports of internet disruptions have been made in Zambia and Nigeria.
HLPF: In the shadow of Covid-19
Between 6 and 15 July, the 2021 edition of the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) was held. Dedicated to the recovery from Covid-19, it comes as no surprise that 89 sessions addressed explicitly (featured terms Covid-19, pandemic, and health crisis in the title) the coronavirus. This represents an increase of 16% compared to the number of sessions tackling the pandemic last year (77). Covid-19 was discussed from the perspective of financial recovery, societal inequality, indigenous people, to name but a few, thus marking a shift in focus from the so-called decade of action to post-pandemic resilience.
When it comes to digital transformation, the number of meetings convened on this topic increased slightly in comparison to last year, moving from 16 sessions in 2020 to 18 in 2021. Like in the previous years, data was the most prominent issue discussed in a variety of contexts ranging from vaccine passports and privacy to data partnerships and investments in development data. Other digital topics addressed include the interplay between the circular economy and digital technologies, as well as the digitalisation of knowledge platforms.
Other traditional topics that featured prominently on the agenda are environmental challenges. A total of 42 sessions was dedicated to ocean health, climate resilience, and carbon neutrality.
Events of interest
September promises to be a busy month. On the 7th, Diplo will be hosting the ‘Digital (and) Diplomacy: What Are We Actually Talking About?’ online event. Marking the 25th anniversary of the publication ‘Information Technology and Diplomacy in a Changing Environment’, written by Diplo’s Director Dr Jovan Kurbalija, the conference will also discuss the different meanings of the term digital and will try to identify the differences and commonalities of viewpoints. You can register for the event here.
In terms of global gatherings, the 76th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) will commence on 14 September whereas the first high-level general debate is set for 21 September. Stay tuned for our yearly analysis of the UNGA statements. Lastly, at the end of the month, we will be continuing our historical journey on diplomacy and technology by tackling the invention of telephony and wireless communications.