Rights organizations strongly oppose potential government-led internet and media disruptions during Kenya’s protests against the Finance Bill, 2024. They argue that limiting digital access violates fundamental human rights, specifically freedom of expression and the public’s right to information. Such interference threatens not only civic engagement but also the digital economy, which is a significant contributor to national GDP. The coalition warns that communication blackouts exacerbate national uncertainty, hinder emergency services, and obstruct citizens from organizing legitimate political dissent. The joint statement emphasizes that suppressing hashtags or live media coverage constitutes a severe infringement of basic liberties. By cutting off reliable updates, authorities risk concealing serious human rights violations and state-sanctioned violence against peaceful demonstrators. The groups urge the government to uphold international frameworks protecting conscience and association, insisting on an open, secure, and free internet. They further call on social media platforms to resist any attempts to block access, labeling such censorship as illegal and counterproductive to democratic discourse. This issue is critically relevant to open data as it highlights the tension between state control and information accessibility during civil unrest. If authorities restrict digital infrastructure, the flow of transparent, real-time data regarding protest movements and government responses is severed. This impedes independent verification of events, limits accountability, and obscures the economic and social impacts of policy decisions. Maintaining open digital channels ensures that data remains accessible for public scrutiny, enabling civil society to monitor human rights compliance and economic implications effectively during critical legislative moments.
Source: nairobiwire.comPublished on 2024-06-26
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