They’re also concerned that the government continues to suppress information and impede journalists, even in the midst of wide-reaching reforms. Atnafu Berhane, an Ethiopian blogger and a co-founder of the Zone9 blogging collective, told VOA that concerns about misinformation are justified, but internet shutdowns aren’t the solution. But many more people have at least limited internet access through mobile devices, and shutdowns can affect their ability to communicate and stay informed. “I have to communicate, or forced to communicate, information through direct phone, which the government can easily tap and can use it to prosecute human rights activists,” Atnafu said. But to safeguard freedom of expression, advocates such as Mumo say unfettered internet access is non-negotiable.

Source: Ethiopian News October 03, 2018 15:33 UTC