Social networks and messaging services, including Facebook, Telegram, TikTok and Youtube, were once again freely accessible in Ethiopia on Wednesday after more than five months of restrictions, an AFP journalist and the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI) observed. Since then, these social networks have only been accessible via a virtual private network (VPN), a device that enables users to connect virtually from another location. 19), these sites were freely accessible from the Ethiopian network, an AFP journalist noted. Amnesty International condemned the blocking, which "clearly violates citizens' rights to freedom of expression and access to information". The OONI Probe application, which detects online restrictions and blockages, also reported free access to these sites.

Source: Ethiopian News July 19, 2023 10:45 UTC