Cybersecurity

Another Reason to Block the Internet in Ethiopia: Exam Cheats

  • Countries have blocked access before for political reasons
  • Group estimates four-day blockage cost at least $17 million
Photographer: Andrew Harrer
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It’s usually during elections or protests that some African governments decide to temporarily shut down the internet. Ethiopia has another reason: examination cheats.

For most of the week starting June 10, access to the internet across Africa’s second-most populous nation was blocked, with only intermittent services, according to NetBlocks, an advocacy group that monitors cybersecurity. “It is believed to be a measure to counter cheating,” it said.