Internet Shutdowns: The Comedy of Errors in Digital Rights
Tomiwa Ilori, a digital rights expert, compares freedom of expression to oxygen—essential and intrinsic. From Nigerian proverbs to legal frameworks, he emphasizes its role in humanity and cautions against censorship. His free speech hero? Fela Aníkúlápó Kútì, whose Afrobeat music spoke truth to power.
Hot Take:
Freedom of expression is like oxygen, except when the Wi-Fi is down. Tomiwa Ilori shares a compelling narrative about how one’s roots and a hefty dose of proverb-spouting Yoruba wisdom can shape an unyielding belief in the right to speak one’s mind. From navigating internet taxes in Kampala to experiencing an internet shutdown during a Kenyan protest, Ilori’s journey is one of resilience in the face of censorship. It’s a tale that makes you appreciate the freedom to tweet your breakfast choices without governmental oversight!
Key Points:
- Tomiwa Ilori highlights the intrinsic nature of freedom of expression, comparing it to breathing.
- Internet shutdowns are seen as a disproportionate and unjustifiable measure by state actors.
- Ilori criticizes the use of laws to stifle free speech and the privatization of speech by companies.
- He emphasizes the role of companies in respecting human rights and adapting to local contexts.
- Fela Aníkúlápó Kútì, a political musician, is celebrated as a free speech hero for his fearless expression through music.