Senegal’s government has shut down internet access in response to protests about the sentencing of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. The internet shutdowns can be partial or total, temporary or prolonged. It’s important to understand the complex technicalities behind internet shutdowns, for at least two reasons. There is wide agreement that internet shutdowns are a violation of fundamental rights such as freedom of expression. It’s therefore important to closely monitor the ways in which internet shutdowns are being implemented.
