Which Country Banned WhatsApp and Facebook in June 2018

Which Country Banned WhatsApp and Facebook in June 2018?

In June 2018 one country in particular made global headlines by taking the controversial step of banning two of the most widely used social media platforms in the world WhatsApp and Facebook. This decision was made in a climate of political unrest national security concerns and the governments desire to control the flow of information. The country in question was Ethiopia a nation located in the Horn of Africa that had been grappling with political instability ethnic tensions and protests.

In this article we will examine the context surrounding Ethiopias decision to block WhatsApp and Facebook in June 2018 explore the reasons behind this move and analyze its impact on the 234 country code whatsapp citizens as well as the international response to the ban.

The Political Climate in Ethiopia in 2018

To understand why Ethiopia resorted to blocking WhatsApp and Facebook in 2018 it is essential to first look at the political climate in the country during that time. Ethiopia has a long history of political tension with conflicts and unrest often sparked by ethnic divisions economic inequality and political repression.

In the years leading up to 2018 Ethiopia faced widespread protests and civil unrest. The protests were initially ignited by a lack of political freedoms human rights violations and the growing influence of certain ethnic groups over the government. The unrest reached a tipping point in 2016 and 2017 with major protests in the Oromia and Amhara regions which resulted in violence deaths and the displacement of thousands of people.

The Ethiopian government led by the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) faced significant challenges in managing the unrest. In response to the protests the government imposed martial law in some regions cracked down on opposition groups and restricted various forms of expression including social media platforms.

In 2018 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed took office with a mandate to reform the countrys political landscape. He made significant strides in promoting political dialogue and attempted to open up the space for opposition groups. His administration managed to release political prisoners initiate peace talks with neighboring Eritrea and make other important changes. However despite these reforms Ethiopias political environment remained volatile and the government continued to face challenges in managing ethnic tensions and political dissent.

The June 2018 Ban: WhatsApp and Facebook

In June 2018 Ethiopias government took the drastic step of blocking access to two of the most popular social media platforms—WhatsApp and Facebook. These platforms were crucial tools for communication both for ordinary citizens and for the opposition. They were used for organizing protests sharing news and connecting with the international community. The governments decision to restrict these platforms was seen as part of a broader strategy to control information prevent unrest and curb the spread of opposition messages.

Reasons Behind the Ban:

1. Control of Information Flow: One of the key reasons for blocking WhatsApp and Facebook was the governments desire to control the flow of information. Social media platforms had been instrumental in organizing protests and sharing news about political events in Ethiopia. The government feared that these platforms were being used to mobilize opposition movements spread dissent and organize protests against the ruling regime.
2. Preventing Ethnic Violence: Ethiopia has long struggled with ethnic tensions and social media has often been a platform for spreading ethnic-based violence or incitement. The government was concerned that WhatsApp and Facebook were being used to inflame ethnic divisions spread misinformation and exacerbate conflicts between different ethnic groups in the country. By blocking these platforms the government aimed to prevent the escalation of ethnic violence especially in regions where tensions were high.
3. National Security Concerns: In the context of ongoing political instability the Ethiopian government viewed the ability to monitor and control communications as critical for national security. The governments concerns about opposition groups and extremist organizations using social media to organize and promote unrest contributed to the decision to block access to these platforms. WhatsApps encrypted messaging and Facebooks widespread use made it difficult for the government to monitor and track communications which heightened their security concerns.
4. Influence of the Diaspora: Ethiopia has a large diaspora community especially in the United States and Europe. Many members of the Ethiopian diaspora have used platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook to voice opposition to the Ethiopian government and provide support for domestic political movements. The government viewed the ability of the diaspora to mobilize online as a threat especially as they could influence international opinion and put pressure on the Ethiopian government. Blocking these platforms was seen as a way to limit the diasporas influence on domestic affairs.

Impact on Ethiopian Society

The decision to block WhatsApp and Facebook in June 2018 had significant consequences for Ethiopian society. These platforms were crucial communication tools for millions of Ethiopians and their sudden disappearance from the digital landscape created challenges for both ordinary citizens and businesses.

1. Communication Disruptions: WhatsApp was one of the most widely used messaging apps in Ethiopia. It allowed individuals to communicate with friends and family share information and even conduct business. The ban created disruptions in communication especially for those who relied on these platforms for personal and professional reasons. Many Ethiopians had to turn to alternative methods such as phone calls or text messages which were less efficient and more expensive.
2. Increased Reliance on VPNs: To circumvent the ban many Ethiopians turned to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and other tools to bypass government-imposed restrictions and regain access to WhatsApp and Facebook. However using VPNs required technical knowledge and could lead to slower internet speeds making it an unreliable solution for many users.
3. Impact on Businesses: Many businesses in Ethiopia used Facebook to promote their products and services as well as to communicate with customers. The ban had a negative impact on the ability of these businesses to reach their target audience. In addition small businesses and entrepreneurs that relied on WhatsApp for customer service and communication were severely affected.
4. International Repercussions: The blocking of WhatsApp and Facebook attracted significant international criticism. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch condemned the decision arguing that it infringed upon the right to freedom of expression and access to information. The international community raised concerns that the ban was a tactic to suppress political dissent and stifle democratic progress in the country.

The Lift of the Ban and Continued Restrictions

The Ethiopian governments decision to block WhatsApp and Facebook was only one part of a broader trend of digital censorship in the country. In response to international pressure and domestic dissatisfaction the government eventually lifted the ban on WhatsApp and Facebook later in 2018 but the country remained cautious about the role of social media in shaping political discourse.

While the ban was lifted Ethiopias government continued to implement measures to control social media and the flow of information. In the years that followed the government imposed additional restrictions on internet access and social media especially during times of political unrest.

Conclusion

The decision to block WhatsApp and Facebook in Ethiopia in June 2018 marked a significant moment in the countrys political history. It reflected the governments desire to control the flow of information prevent the spread of opposition messages and curb political unrest. While the ban was eventually lifted the impact of these restrictions on communication business and freedom of expression was profound.

Ethiopias case highlights the delicate balance that governments face when dealing with the power of social media and digital communication. On the one hand social media platforms can serve as powerful tools for organizing mobilizing and raising awareness about important issues. On the other hand governments in unstable or authoritarian regimes may perceive these platforms as a threat to their control over the political narrative. See more details relate to this on Saeed developer for more details.

As countries around the world continue to grapple with issues of internet censorship freedom of speech and digital governance Ethiopias experience serves as a reminder of the complexities and consequences of regulating acce