The Internet Society South Sudan Chapter’s Advocacy Against Social Media Ban

On January 22, 2025, South Sudan’s government ordered a ban on TikTok and Facebook to prevent graphic content from spreading. The Internet Society South Sudan Chapter quickly mobilized to advocate against the ban, emphasizing its detrimental effects on communication and the economy. By January 27, the authorities lifted the ban, echoing the chapter’s concerns. The incident illustrates the critical importance of effective advocacy in protecting digital rights and economic stability.

On January 22, 2025, South Sudan’s National Communications Authority mandated Internet Service Providers to block access to TikTok and Facebook for a minimum of 30 days, citing the need to curb the spread of graphic content related to violence in Sudan. This decision posed significant risks to communication and civil liberties within South Sudan.

In response to the potential economic and social repercussions, the Internet Society South Sudan Chapter swiftly issued a public statement calling for the ban’s reversal. They emphasized the adverse effects on communication, human rights, and the overall flow of information. Moreover, representatives from the chapter participated in a morning radio program to raise public awareness; they also submitted their statement to relevant governmental offices.

By January 27, the National Communications Authority rescinded the ban, adopting much of the language from the chapter’s joint advocacy statement in their official announcement.

During the six days the ban was enforced, businesses experienced significant operational challenges. Swangin Scopas, head of Communication and Branding at Zain, outlined the impact: social media is essential for real-time customer support and company updates. “The shutdown cut off one of our key communication channels, which led to delayed responses,” Scopas noted, highlighting the broader consequences for customer engagement and support services.

The state of internet connectivity in South Sudan reflects considerable challenges: with a population of 11.9 million, only 12% are Internet users, and the country scored a mere 26% on the Internet Resilience Index. Moreover, only one Internet shutdown occurred in the past year, revealing limited diversity among service providers and significant risks to connectivity.

The ban severely impeded businesses’ ability to promote and advertise, damaging relationships with potential and existing customers. Scopas emphasized the reputational risks, stating, “The block on social media… prevented our teams from tracking what was being said about us online, and we were unable to respond to issues promptly.”

The Internet Society South Sudan Chapter’s rapid and effective advocacy played a crucial role in shortening the duration of the ban, preventing widespread economic disruption. Even brief internet shutdowns can lead to decreased productivity and increased unemployment, threatening overall societal stability. Gama articulated this concern, stating, “Cutting access can be detrimental to an entire population’s health and well-being.”

For ongoing updates regarding internet shutdowns, individuals are encouraged to check the Internet Society Pulse and share personal experiences related to Internet disruptions through the provided contact email.

In summary, the swift mobilization by the Internet Society South Sudan Chapter was instrumental in promptly lifting the government-imposed ban on social media platforms, originally dictated on January 22, 2025. The initial restrictions posed considerable challenges to communication and economic stability. Advocacy efforts highlighted the critical role social media plays in customer engagement and societal well-being, emphasizing the potential consequences of Internet disruptions. Thus, timely and effective intervention can safeguard public interests and promote a healthy digital landscape for South Sudan.

Original Source: www.internetsociety.org