Why have so many countries been blocking social media in recent weeks?

In the digital age, social media has emerged as a crucial tool for shaping public opinion and mobilizing action. However, governments across various countries are increasingly resorting to social media blackouts to control the narrative and suppress dissent.

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In an age where a tweet can spark revolutions and a hashtag can unite millions, social media has become more than just a digital hangout — it’s a powerful tool for shaping public opinion and mobilizing action. But as citizens around the world realize this power, governments are increasingly fighting back with a blunt instrument: the social media blackout.

From Turkey to Turkmenistan, Uganda to Bangladesh, the tactic of blocking access to social media platforms is becoming a go-to move for regimes eager to control the narrative. But this growing trend is more than just an inconvenience for users; it’s a troubling sign of how far some governments will go to suppress dissent, silence critics, and maintain their grip on power.

Turkey

In Turkey, where political tensions often run high, social media has long been crucial for those seeking to challenge the status quo. But the government, under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, has made a habit of pulling the plug when the digital conversation gets…