Nigeria’s Not the Only African Country Seeking to Impose Chinese-Style Restrictions on Internet Activity

The Chinese-inspired model of government control over digital communications and internet activity is becoming increasingly popular in a number of African countries. While no African country goes to the lengths that China does in regulating online behavior, states like Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and Ethiopia are definitely employing many of the same tactics first introduced by China to control information, monitor dissidents, and regulate online content.

These government surveillance capabilities are further enhanced by the fact that new Chinese-built telecom networks across the continent make it easier than ever to impose enhanced control.

How Chinese-Style Internet Control is Making Its Way to Africa

  • LESOTHO: Social media users with more than 100 followers to register with the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) as “internet broadcasters.” (QUARTZ)
  • KENYA: New, proposed legislation would require bloggers, among others, to register with the authorities. (DEFENCEWEB)
  • ZIMBABWE:  President Emerson Mnangagwa’s administration has been arresting critics for social media posts mainly on Twitter and WhatsApp. (QUARTZ)
  • DR CONGO: Last year, former President Joseph Kabila said internet and text messaging services were shut down to preserve public order after “fictitious results” were circulated on social media. (CNN)
  • TANZANIA: The government has been blocking social media applications ahead of today’s election, days after the state issued a directive restricting text messaging within the country. (QUARTZ)

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The post Nigeria’s Not the Only African Country Seeking to Impose Chinese-Style Restrictions on Internet Activity appeared first on The China Africa Project.



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