Bangladesh has blocked two popular mobile messaging apps, Tango and Viber to deal with anti-government protestors who were using the services for coordinating their activities. Officials have not specified the time limit of the ban but it seems that the ban may not be lifted until the demonstrations come to an end.
Countries often use “blocking digital services” tactic to dampen the riots but such steps may result in fueling the protests. Blocking messaging services may seem as a proof to protestors that they are on the right path and fighting against injustice. Moreover, opposition can easily find other alternatives (such as WhatsApp) to continue with their activities.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) retaliated in response to the confinement of its leader Khaleda Zia to her office in central Dhaka for 15 days. The protests started when authorities banned BNP march to mark the day of national elections boycotted by the party last year.
The protests have turned deadly and resulted in disruption of road, rail and river transport services. The authorities tried to back-off protestors with usual methods until they gave in and blocked their mode of communication.
Do you think countries should block digital services to silence protestors? Can a government fully deny these services with multiple alternatives available in the technologically advanced world? Share your insights in the comment section below.
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