Latest World News: Pakistan ranked third in the world for internet resolution imposition
KARACHI: Pakistan was ranked third in the world for imposing internet restrictions in the first half of 2023.
According to a report by Surfshark, a virtual private network company headquartered in Lithuania, a semi-annual analysis of the Internet-based Internet Shutdown Tracker reveals that Pakistan was responsible for three of the 42 new restrictions worldwide, which were imposed following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on May 9.
At the time, access to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube was restricted in the country, while several temporary cellular network disruptions were also seen across the country for several days afterwards.
The Surfshark report ranks Pakistan behind Iran and India as the top countries in the list of regimes that imposed internet restrictions in the first half of 2023, with Asia being the focal point of most internet shutdowns.
Iran and India lead tally of most shutdowns in first half of 2023, Surfshark report finds
Iran has seen the highest number of internet disruptions during this time, with 14 cases in total, all of which occurred in Zahedan during Friday’s protests against the Zahedan massacre.
India and held-Kashmir
India was closely following Iran, with at least nine cases, the majority of which occurred during protests.
Interestingly, the report mentions two separate Internet shutdowns in Jammu and Kashmir, which were apparently also ordered by the Indian government. If these are added to the country’s tally, India’s tally rises to 11 cases of internet shutdowns over a six-month period.
According to the report, the protests were the main cause of government-imposed internet restrictions.
More than two-thirds of the new disruptions, which number 30, were sparked by public outrage over social and political issues. This survey also highlights that the Internet is the primary battleground for obtaining important information during times of civil unrest.
Surfsharks Internet Censorship Tracker analyzes reports from news media and digital rights organizations such as Netblocks and Access Now and collects data from social media companies to document cases.
Overview of restricted apps in 2023
Facebook continued to face heavy restrictions in the first half of 2023. The app was restricted in Ethiopia, Guinea, Senegal, Pakistan, and Suriname. All of these countries have had a history of government-imposed internet restrictions.
Telegram, Instagram and YouTube tied for second place on the list of the most blocked social platforms, each facing restrictions in four countries. WhatsApp and Twitter were close and tied for third place on the list, each facing restrictions in three countries.
While TikTok was only limited by one country in the first half, Ethiopia. However, the United States is on track to become the eighth country to ban the platform, the report says.
Global decline
According to the report, the first half of 2023 saw a 31% drop in new cases of internet disruption compared to the same period in 2022. But the number of countries imposing these restrictions fell from 13 to 14.
Overall, Asia leads the world in internet disruptions, accounting for 71% of new global cases. An estimated 2.35 billion people experienced internet censorship throughout the year, Surfshark found.
The report also states that the decrease in global restrictions is mainly due to the drop in Jammu and Kashmir’s cases, which fell from 35 in the first half of 2022 to just 2 during the same period in 2023.
Posted in Dawn, July 25, 2023
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An Overview of Global Events in 2023
In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.
Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.
Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.
Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.
Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.