Internet shutdowns and content filtering, Internet restriction techniques, Content Blocking, collateral damage

It is now clear that, we are at a crossroads, and the actions we take today will determine whether the Internet will continue to be a driver of empowerment, or whether it will threaten personal freedoms and rights online. 

The Internet Society considers that, any deliberate attempt to interrupt Internet communications or control the flow of information over the Internet puts society at risk.

For those who are unfamiliar, Internet shutdowns, including those that impact social media sites or entire networks, occur when governments intentionally disrupt the Internet or mobile apps, often used in the context of elections, demonstrations or other tense social contexts. According to AccessNow.org, there were 56 Internet shutdowns recorded worldwide in 2016, an upward trend from previous years.

 

A new paper entitled “Internet Society Perspectives on Internet Content Blocking” explores the most common Internet restriction techniques and highlights the shortcomings and collateral damage from the use of such measures. 

The paper describes and evaluates the most common content blocking techniques used by governments to restrict access to information (or related services) that is either illegal in a particular jurisdiction, is considered a threat to public order, or is objectionable for a particular audience.