The government of Ethiopia has lifted a five-month ban on access to social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Telegram and Youtube. They then vowed online to defy the ban and hold a rally to show their support for the Orthodox Church. This led to a ban on social media and a shutdown of schools in the country. Only those with access to a virtual private network (VPN) could get on social media platforms, which made the demand for VPNs in Ethiopia skyrocket by 1,430% at the time. The social media blackout is said to have impacted businesses and cost Ethiopia up to £32 million ($42 million) in losses.

Source: Ethiopian News July 22, 2023 09:08 UTC