WhatsApp Blocked In Zambia

Multiple reports indicate that the instant messaging service WhatsApp has been blocked in a likely attempt by the government to disrupt the ongoing general election. 

The internet monitoring group NetBlocks have confirmed that WhatsApp is down across all the major telecommunications providers, including MTN, Zamtel, Airtel and Liquid Telecom. 

According to the group, “measurements indicate that WhatsApp frontend and backend servers have become unavailable from Thursday afternoon. The restrictions are likely to limit the free flow of information online presenting a challenge to election transparency as polls are held.”

It follows a statement by the government earlier this week, saying it would “not hesitate” to shut down the internet if people abused the service.

In response to the restrictions, NetBlocks have published guidance for Zambians to get back online. They say that VPN services are effective at working around the blockage. A VPN - or Virtual Private Network - is an encrypted tunnelling mechanism used to circumvent online censorship. 

Other instant messaging services, including Signal and Facebook Messenger are still working. 

The blocking of WhatsApp raises serious concerns around the validity of today’s elections. Many voters will rely on the messaging service to organise transport to the polls and it is also a valuable tool for election observers wishing to contact each other. 

Zambia now joins Guinea, Togo, Benin, Mauritania, Mali and Cameroon in the group of countries that have faced internet shutdowns and social media restrictions during elections, impacting transparency, free expression and civic engagement at critical moments. 

Last month, Open Zambia wrote to telecommunications networks MTN and Airtel, urging the companies to stand up against government pressure to restrict internet access. In the past, the networks have repeatedly submitted to autocratic regimes in turning off the internet in order to facilitate election rigging.