The South Sudan Chapter of the Internet Society mobilized to overturn a government-issued social media ban aimed at blocking TikTok and Facebook. Their advocacy led to the swift reversal of the ban within just six days. The chapter highlighted the adverse economic and social impacts such interruptions could have, emphasizing the importance of social media for businesses and communication during instability.
On January 22, 2025, the National Communications Authority of South Sudan mandated Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block TikTok and Facebook for at least 30 days due to concerns regarding graphic content related to violence in Sudan. This order aimed to mitigate the distribution of such content but posed significant risks to communication and human rights in South Sudan.
In response to the impending ban, the Internet Society South Sudan Chapter acted swiftly. They released a statement urging the government to reconsider, highlighting the potential threats to communication, human rights, and the free flow of information. The chapter extended their outreach by appearing on a popular radio station and delivering their message to key government offices.
By January 27, just five days later, the National Communications Authority rescinded the ban, adopting much of the language from the chapter’s statement in its announcement. The swift reversal illustrates the power of advocacy and public mobilization in influencing government decisions.
The temporary ban profoundly impacted businesses, disrupting operations and client communications. Swangin Scopas from Zain, a mobile communications provider, noted, “The shutdown cut off one of our key communication channels, which led to delayed responses, reduced interaction with our customers and meant that people were unable to get the support they needed, when they needed it.”
Internet access statistics highlight the precarious digital landscape in South Sudan, where only 12% of the population uses the Internet, with an Internet Resilience Index score of just 26%. The country experienced one shutdown in the past year, indicating a fragile online environment with poor service provider diversity.
Social media plays a crucial role in marketing and customer engagement for businesses in South Sudan. The ban stifled advertising and communication efforts, adversely affecting sales and brand loyalty. Scopas remarked, “The block on social media prevented our teams from tracking what was being said about us online, and we were unable to respond to issues promptly.”
Assuring uninterrupted Internet access is vital for economic stability. The Internet Society South Sudan Chapter’s proactive measures prevented prolonged disruptions that could have led to severe economic consequences, including reduced productivity and increased unemployment.
Gama from the chapter emphasized the critical role of social media during instability, asserting that cutting off access harms public health and welfare. The chapter underscored the importance of keeping communication lines open, recognizing that the social media ban could do more harm than good to South Sudan’s citizens and economy.
The South Sudan Chapter of the Internet Society successfully mobilized against a government-mandated social media ban, demonstrating the importance of advocacy in preserving communication rights. Their efforts not only expedited the lifting of the ban but also highlighted the critical role of social media in the economy and personal connectivity. Prolonged Internet disruptions pose risks to social stability and economic health, emphasizing the need for vigilant defense of digital rights.
Original Source: www.internetsociety.org
