Source: GIZMODO: Belarus Turned Off the Internet. Its Citizens Hot-Wired It.
Belarus’s state-mandated internet shutdowns bear testimony to the power of the internet. I find it inspiriting that in response to the government’s Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) attack, Belarusian citizens turned to apps and VPN’s to circumvent the block. The way they have utilized social media and encrypted apps to spread information, organize the protests, and document the corruption unfolding before them has provided crucial visibility in a country that went dark. I find Belarus’ internet shutdowns to be an extension of its corruption and desire to censor its own people, which comes not only at the cost of their freedom, but also at the cost of its economy which relies heavily on the internet. My thoughts are with the people of Belarus— I admire their cunning resilience in getting around their government’s DPI attack, and hope they can exercise the rights they are owed as human beings so they can live in decent conditions and hopefully, move their country out of this precarious state.
I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on this matter. The internet can be a powerful tool and can do a lot of good. I also agree that Belarus turning off the internet is also another sign of corruption. I applaud the citizens who keep persisting to fight for their freedom and to fight for justice.
I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts on this matter. The internet can be a powerful tool and can do a lot of good. I also agree that Belarus turning off the internet is also another sign of corruption. I applaud the citizens who keep persisting to fight for their freedom and to fight for justice.
This article helped me realize just how important the internet is, and how much power it truly has. If even a nation state is forced to contend with the power it holds we have to accept that there is true power behind the internet. Not to mention all the tools that Belarusians are using to combat their government’s attempts to block the internet that show you really can’t put the genie back in the bottle.
Once a leader starts trying to censor communication and knowledge, you know there is a problem. I’ve been inspired by the apps that are coming out to help organize peaceful protests, it just goes to show how truely innovative and capable people are.
The Internet holds great power. Recently in my country (Brazil), the government tried to privatize the public health system. People’s insurgency was instantaneous on social media because our public health organ plays an important civic role in various fields. The next day, the government gave up the decision.