E-Business
HRW Wants End to Internet Shutdown to Manage COVID-19
HRW has urged governments such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, and Myanmar, that are currently imposing an internet shutdown, to lift them immediately to save lives.
During a health crisis, access to timely and accurate information is crucial. People use the internet for updates on health measures, movement restrictions, and relevant news to protect themselves and others.
“Internet shutdowns block people from getting essential information and services,” said Deborah Brown, senior digital rights researcher and advocate. “During this global health crisis, shutdowns directly harm people’s health and lives, and undermine efforts to bring the pandemic under control.”
For people around the world staying at home, either willingly or because of government restrictions, the internet is critical to communicate with doctors, family, and friends. For many children and others seeking an education, it is needed to continue learning as schools shutter around the world.
Internet shutdowns can have a greater impact on women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, people with disabilities, and older people who may rely on the internet for online support services.
These groups are most likely to rely on the internet to protect their physical safety, access sexual and reproductive health information and care, and participate in social, professional, and economic life, particularly when women are disproportionately taking on more child care and education responsibilities, and when isolation can lead to or exacerbate psychological distress.
The economic cost of internet disruptions is significant. As restrictions on movement expand, many individuals and businesses are relying on the internet more than usual for their work.
Internet shutdowns have become increasingly common in recent years, usually during tense periods, such as elections, anti-government protests, or armed conflicts. Thirty-three countries enforced 213 internet shutdowns in 2019, according to Access Now. Government justifications ranged from a need to combat fake news to public safety and national security.
India had the most internet shutdowns with at least 385 ordered since 2012. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government imposed a complete communications blackout in August 2019, which stopped families from communicating and disrupted the local economy.
Phone services were gradually restored, but it was only after the Supreme Court found the internet shutdown illegal in January 2020 that service was partially restored, and only at 2G speed.
Since COVID-19 spread to India, people have reported not being able to access websites that provide information about the pandemic due to highly restricted speeds that make accessing anything beyond text messages nearly impossible. The New Delhi-based Internet Freedom Foundation has called on the government to “make all tools including high speed internet available to doctors and patients to save lives.”
In Ethiopia, millions of people in western Oromia may be missing key information about COVID-19 because of a months-long government-imposed shutdown of internet and phone services.
The shutdown has prevented families from communicating, disrupted lifesaving services, and contributed to an information blackout during government counterinsurgency operations in the area.
In Myanmar, the government is blocking the internet for more than one million people in Rakhine and Chin States.
It first restricted access in eight townships in Rakhine State and one in Chin State last June, with an impact on civilians in conflict areas, the delivery of humanitarian aid, and the work of human rights monitors.
The government lifted restrictions in five townships in Rakhine and Chin States in September but reinstated them on February 3, 2020.
In Bangladesh, an internet blackout and phone restrictions at Rohingya refugee camps are hindering humanitarian groups from addressing the COVID-19 threat. The shutdown jeopardizes the health and lives of nearly 900,000 refugees in Cox’s Bazar and the Bangladeshi host community.
Nearly four years ago, the United Nations Human Rights Council first condemned measures to prevent or disrupt access to or dissemination of information online and called on countries to refrain from such measures. Last week, leading international free speech experts said that internet shutdowns “cannot be justified” during the COVID-19 outbreak.
On March 27, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged all governments to end any and all internet and telecommunication shutdowns. “Amidst the COVID-19 crisis, fact-based and relevant information on the disease and its spread and response must reach all people, without exception,” a statement said.
Under international law, governments have an obligation to ensure that any restrictions to information online are provided by law, are a necessary and proportionate response to a specific threat, and are in the public interest.
Officials should never use broad, indiscriminate shutdowns to stop the flow of information or to harm people’s ability to express political views, and doing so during a health crisis can cost lives, Human Rights Watch said.
Governments order internet shutdowns but internet service providers are responsible for carrying them out. Internet service providers should do everything in their power to push back against unjustified internet shutdowns, including by demanding a legal basis for any shutdown order and interpreting requests to cause the least intrusive restrictions. They should prioritize their responsibilities under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and avoid complicity in human rights abuses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Providers should give customers advance notice of shutdowns and disclose the government’s role and legal basis for restricting networks and services.
Human rights organizations can join and participate in the #KeepItOn campaign coordinated by Access Now to fight internet shutdowns with documentation, advocacy, policy maker engagement, technical support, and legal interventions.
“During a global pandemic, when people around the world are isolated and access to information can mean life or death, it’s time to impose a moratorium on internet shutdowns,” Brown said. “Governments should ensure immediate access to the fastest and broadest possible service for all.”
Ozi (www.ozionline.com), a pioneer community-driven delivery app, launches, offering users a new way to send packages and earn extra cash.
L-r: Co-Founders of Ozionline.com: Ikenna Ani (CEO), Azubike Augustine (COO) and Engr. Christian Chime (CTO)
By connecting people traveling with those needing package delivery, Ozi turns everyday trips into profitable opportunities, aiming to disrupt the global parcel delivery industry, also known as the Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market, currently valued at around $460 billion.
Imagine this scenario – You’re traveling to Abuja from Lagos and have empty space in your car. With Ozi, that unused capacity can earn you extra cash by delivering a package along the way. Or maybe you’re a small business owner who needs to send a package to another state but balk at the high cost of courier services.
With Ozi, you can find a verified traveler heading in the right direction to handle your delivery, Engr. Christian Chime, Ozi’s co-founder and CEO, said during the startup launch held at Four Point by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“Why travel empty when you can earn?” asks Engr. Chime said. “Ozi allows travelers to make the most of their journeys while helping others get their packages delivered with ease.”
“This simple yet powerful idea leverages the daily movements of millions of Nigerians to create a logistics network that is fast, affordable, and efficient.
“Ozi’s unique approach leverages the everyday movement of travelers to bridge this gap, creating a system where everyone benefits”.
He said that the choice of Nigeria as the first launch-location for Ozi was due the potential the country holds in the parcel delivery sub-sector.
“Actually, we had the opportunity to launch OZI in another country outside Nigeria but for our thrust in the Nigerian dream and its potentials made us choose the country as the first to witness Ozi’s innovation”, Engr. Chime said.
“Travelers can now monetize their journeys by delivering packages along their routes, while senders gain access to an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional courier services”.
Ozi combines convenience, innovation, and community to deliver a win-win solution for Nigerians. From quick intra-city deliveries to long-distance trips, Ozi offers an affordable, efficient solution for all.
Whether you’re a traveler looking to earn on your trips or a sender seeking a reliable delivery option, Ozi offers a solution that works for everyone.
In the words of Azubuike Augustine, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Ozi, “Ozi’s mission goes beyond simplifying package delivery. The app represents a broader effort to create shared value for all stakeholders in the logistics process.
“By connecting senders and travelers, Ozi creates a win-win scenario where costs are reduced, trust is built, and income opportunities are created”.
“Ozi prioritizes safety and transparency. Every user, whether sender or traveler, undergoes a comprehensive verification process that includes ID checks and phone number authentication. This ensures that all participants in the system are trustworthy and accountable”.
To enhance security further, the CTO said that Ozi offers real-time tracking for all transactions. Senders can monitor their packages throughout the delivery process, ensuring peace of mind. For high-value items, optional insurance coverage provides an added layer of protection, reinforcing Ozi’s commitment to reliability.
“At Ozi, we understand that trust is critical in logistics,” the Azubuike added. “That’s why we’ve built a platform where every step is designed to safeguard both the traveler and the sender.”
“Ozi is more than an app; it’s a community where everyone wins,” said Ikenna Ani, co-founder/COO of Ozi.
“From today, travelers across the globe can sign up through www.ozionline.com and start making every trip count”, he said. “We have put measures in place to ensure only genuine and verified travelers or senders use the platform. Security is primary for us”.
Ikenna added that the app will be released on Google Play Store and Apple (iOS) on January 1, 2025. Ozi Live on Instagram | Facebook.
Temu is set to enchant the holiday season with its unique blend of green magic, bringing a touch of festive wonder to Christmas celebrations. The initiative, themed “Ride the ‘Wicked’ Wave,” promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, combining technology, entertainment, and commerce to create a magical holiday atmosphere.
Temu’s green magic initiative aims to captivate audiences with a variety of festive offerings, from fashion to home decor, handmade crafts, beauty items, chic clothes, shoes, and more.
The platform’s innovative approach ensures that customers can enjoy a seamless shopping experience, with free shipping on all orders1.
As part of the celebration, Temu has also introduced a magical winter Christmas backdrop, perfect for creating a festive ambiance at home.
This backdrop, made from high-quality polyester, is designed to bring the spirit of the season to life, making it an ideal addition to any holiday decor.
With its commitment to providing exceptional products and services, Temu continues to set new standards in the e-commerce industry, ensuring that customers can enjoy the magic of Christmas in style
With the holiday season here, it’s not only a time for magic and celebration but also a prime opportunity for fraudsters to exploit the festive rush for gifts and bargains.
Amid the sparkle of year-end celebrations, cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky have identified several prominent scams targeting consumers across various regions and languages.
Fake holiday shops
Deceptive online stores mimic the look and feel of legitimate e-commerce sites, offering seasonal items such as decorations, gifts, and even trees at steep discounts.
These sites often appear highly localised, adapting their language and currency based on the user’s geographic location, leveraging data extracted from browsers.
Victims typically encounter these stores by following links in ads or pop-ups.
These sites aim to steal funds. Often, these fraudulent stores exist only for a short period, as they get flagged by the vendors of goods.
Free mobile data offer
This scam plays on the allure of free services, claiming to provide free mobile data valid across all major telecom providers.
In order to receive the free data, victims are required to share the promotion link with 10–15 contacts via WhatsApp, ensuring the scam spreads exponentially.
After sharing, victims are prompted to enter their personal details — name, phone number, and email — into a form.
The collected data is then sold on the Dark Web or used in other fraudulent activities.
In some cases, victims unknowingly download malware that compromises their devices, leading to further exploitation.
Holiday payments on behalf of government agencies
Fraudsters impersonate government authorities, promising fictitious payments in celebration of the holidays.
This scam has been reported in several African countries, including Kenya and Nigeria.
To receive payment, victims are directed to fill out a survey which requires personal details like name and phone number.
Once the survey is completed the user is asked to share the link to the announcement with their connections via WhatsApp.
These details are collected and added to fraudulent databases, then sold to third parties or used for phishing attacks and identity theft.
This scam exploits trust in government systems and the festive spirit of giving.
Christmas recipe scam
This scam begins with a seemingly harmless email promoting a holiday cake recipe.
Victims are encouraged to pay a small fee to access the recipe.
Once payment is made, the victim’s credit card information is stolen. The fraudsters also collect other personal information essential for accessing banking services.
“Holiday scams are not a new phenomenon, but they have evolved to become increasingly sophisticated, leveraging regional traditions and technology to exploit unsuspecting victims.
The rush of the holidays makes people more vulnerable — they’re distracted, eager to grab a deal, or trust promotions that align with festive themes. Cybercriminals are not just stealing money — they’re building massive databases of personal information that fuel future fraudulent schemes.
The holiday season is a time for joy and giving, but users need to remain vigilant to ensure they’re not unknowingly giving fraudsters the tools to exploit them further,” said Olga Svistunova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky.
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