NetBlocks, a watchdog organisation that monitors cybersecurity and the governance of the internet, has confirmed that Zimbabwe’s internet has been downgraded.
In a post on X on Tuesday evening, NetBlocks said the throttling of internet services in Zimbabwe impacts online platforms on NetOne, Econet, TelOne and Liquid, potentially affecting citizens’ ability to stay informed. It said:
Confirmed: Metrics indicate that internet service has been degraded in #Zimbabwe on the eve of elections; the incident impacts online platforms on NetOne, Econet, TelOne and Liquid, potentially affecting citizens’ ability to stay informed.
In January 2019, Zimbabwe imposed a “total internet shutdown” during nationwide protests that were triggered by a dramatic fuel price increase.
Access to the internet and popular social media apps like Facebook, X and WhatsApp were blocked.
Hundreds of Zimbabweans were arrested during the protests and the United Nations called for an end to the brutal security crackdown and the internet blackout.
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