Egypt has ordered the shutdown of mobile networks in "select areas," in an effort to quell widespread protests against the government.
Reports also suggest that BlackBerry Internet browsing had been specifically blocked. Egypt's four primary Internet service providers were also reportedly shut down at 12:34 this morning. On Tuesday, authorities blocked access to Facebook and Twitter.
The measures did not prevent over 10,000 protesters from taking to the streets in Cairo today, as they demanded government reforms and the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak, who has been in power for 30 years. The crackdown on mobile technology has also prompted the international diplomatic community to speak out.
“One of the ground principles of democracy is to protect the freedom of speech,” said Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General.
Mobile and Internet services have played a key role in the protests against autocratic regimes -- including the ousting of Tunisia's unpopular president -- and have roiled the Arab world since late December. Demonstrators have used Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, coupled with cell phones, to coordinate activities and spread news, including images and videos.
Egypt's crackdown underscores both the importance of mobile communications in fostering open democracy and their vulnerability to suppression by the state.
Mobile and Internet services have played a key role in the protests against autocratic regimes including the ousting of Tunisia's unpopular president and have roiled the Arab world since late December. This protest has shut down all international connections to the Internet. Thanks a lot.
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