Sound of the silenced:
voices from the connectivity crisis
Connectivity is a critical lifeline that must be protected. Yet in times of crisis, those in power deliberately cut off internet access when people need it the most, putting lives at risk.
When the internet goes dark, voices are silenced, safety is compromised, and human rights violations go unchecked. From Palestine to Ethiopia, Iran to Afghanistan, Myanmar to Venezuela, access can determine who survives a crisis. It’s a matter of life and death. For many, a shutdown means losing the only way to stay connected, with each other and the rest of the world.
In this interactive web special, you will hear and read the testimonies of those affected by shutdowns around the world.
Choose a story
About Sound of the silenced
Centering the human impact of internet shutdowns is at the core of Access Now’s #KeepItOn campaign. When authorities flip the kill switch, dreams are lost, opportunities are missed, and human rights abuses go unchallenged. Through our #KeepItOn Shutdown Impact Story project, we have amplified the lived experiences of people affected by shutdowns in the past decade.
These eight testimonies from people in Afghanistan, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Iran, Myanmar, Palestine, Tajikistan, and Venezuela are emblematic of those stories, revealing how shutdowns isolate communities and endanger lives during conflict, protests, elections, and other key national moments.
As you explore, we encourage you to think about what you would do in a shutdown, and consider joining us in the battle to end shutdowns for good. If you have personally been impacted by a shutdown or are part of the #KeepItOn movement, we encourage you to share your story or your reflections on fighting shutdowns over the years; we’ll use it to strengthen our advocacy and continue to push for change.