Digital Authoritarianism and Epistemic Rights in the Global South: Unpacking Internet Shutdowns in Zimbabwe

Abstract

AbstractInternet shutdowns are increasing globally, not least in Africa. However, few studies have investigated their impact on citizens. Existing studies have approached internet shutdowns from an elitist standpoint. This is surprising considering that most internet shutdowns have a political motive. Consequently, there is a lacuna on how internet shutdowns impact the actual targets—the citizens. Given the Zimbabwean state’s tight control of the mainstream media, internet shutdowns are the last nail on the coffin of citizen rights to free speech. Grounded on digital rights, this exploratory study examines the impact of internet shutdowns on citizens in Zimbabwe. It illuminates how epistemic rights are intricately interwoven with broader human rights in authoritarian environments. Motives behind internet shutdowns, their impacts on citizens, and collateral effects are questions at the core of this exploration. Data were gathered using an open-ended electronic questionnaire completed by twenty-three purposively selected Zimbabwean citizens. The chapter reveals that shutdowns are political weapons of the state to curtail epistemic and other citizen rights. It argues that internet shutdowns diminish citizens’ access to information alternative to state propaganda. The study illuminates the interconnection between epistemic rights and other human rights in a semi-authoritarian state in the Global South.