Part 8/12:
The Justifications and Outcomes
Governments often justify internet shutdowns as necessary measures to prevent misinformation, quell violence, or manage public safety during crises. However, evidence suggests that these extreme actions frequently result in the opposite effect, leading to increased unrest and social chaos rather than providing resolution.
Taking the example of the 2023 floods in Libya, officials initially attributed communication blackouts to the disaster itself. Later revelations indicated that the true motive was to suppress criticism of the government's handling of the crisis. Such incidents highlight how governments can exploit crises to limit public dissent, often prioritizing self-preservation over citizen welfare.