The Internet has become essential in our everyday lives, playing a crucial role in safeguarding other fundamental human rights. This vital medium for communication and information access is frequently disrupted due to technical errors or intentional interference by service providers or authorities. The intentional disruptions that manifest as complete disconnections, deliberate slowing down of Internet speeds, or blocking access to major social media and communications platforms, is commonly referred to as internet shutdowns.
In 2022, there were 187 instances of internet shutdowns across 35 countries globally, with India leading the list with 5 shutdowns. Bangladesh ranked 5th among the countries implementing internet shutdowns in the same year.
To document such censorship, civic technology, research, and advocacy organizations are actively developing and promoting tools to assist people in navigating disruptions in internet access. This resource guide, developed under the OPTIMA project, provides an introduction to key network measurement tools and a step-by-step process for using these tools and data for researchers and advocates in the Bangla-speaking regions.