Whereas access to information and freedom of expression are pillars of an open, free, and democratic society; Whereas open and secure access to the internet enables the exercise of human rights and freedom of expression, allowing people to connect, access information, and participate in a global society; Whereas according to Access Now, there were 21 instances of partial or total internet shutdowns in Africa in 2018, compared with only 4 in 2016; Whereas governments, including those of Chad, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Uganda, Sudan, and Zimbabwe, have restricted access to the internet and disrupted networks, online applications, and services to censor and interfere with the flow of information during politically sensitive moments, including elections, political protests, and mass demonstrations, when unfettered journalism, public oversight, and political participation are crucial to bolster democratic processes and the rule of law; Whereas governments often attempt to justify partial or total internet shutdowns for purposes of security or to stop the spread of false information; Whereas the frequency of internet shutdowns has increased across Africa, levying broad economic costs and directly violating citizens rights to freedom of expression and access to information; Whereas African whistleblowers, journalists, bloggers, and other media workers often lack legal protection and suffer harassment and detention at the hands of government authorities, often facilitated by invasive and unauthorized surveillance, with the encouragement, technical expertise, and financial support of foreign entities and governments; Whereas some African governments have introduced taxes to discourage citizens from sharing and accessing information in the digital space, and have imposed laws and regulations that often target journalists, bloggers, activists, and others, banning speech and discouraging expression in the digital space