Roukaya Kasenally: “Mentioning national security without specifying what is really at stake makes no sense”

In this interview, Associate Professor Roukaya Kasenally analyzes Icta's controversial decision to block all social networks until November 11 for reasons of national security. It emphasizes the dangers of such a measure on individual freedoms in Mauritius.

What is your analysis after the Icta press release which talks about blocking all social networks until November 11 due to national security?

It's shocking, but not entirely unexpected. In recent days, we have noticed a slowdown in the Internet, and the next step is the closure of social networks, or even the Internet itself. This has already happened in several countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America where freedoms are threatened. In Mauritius, this electoral campaign is marked by explosive use of social media, and information leaks have widely circulated thanks to these platforms.

Icta talks about state security, how dangerous are social networks in this regard?

The notion of national security is often used loosely, which can be open to abuse by those in power. What dangers are we really talking about? Hate, disinformation, manipulation of facts? Mentioning national security without specifics about what is really at stake makes no sense. Also, we must not forget that national security is the responsibility of the Prime Minister, as Minister of Internal Affairs. What is needed is to define specific national security concerns and provide evidence. Otherwise, it looks like a dictatorial posture!

Is the intentional slowdown of the Internet connection proven?

Absolutely. As I mentioned, this is the first step in a process of restricting rights and freedoms.

Can cutting off access to social networks be considered censorship?

Yes, it is censorship, control and surveillance.

Are human rights under threat?

Yes, because digital rights are part of human rights.

Are we heading towards an autocracy?

I think we're already there. All indicators – such as V-Dem, Afrobarometer and the Mo Ibrahim Index – already classify Mauritius as such. Those of us who live in Mauritius feel it!