313 blackouts. 52 countries. One global crisis
Internet shutdowns are no longer just blunt nationwide blackouts. From Uganda to Iran, governments are now using sophisticated tools to cut off Starlink, exempt their own institutions, and silence critics, while ordinary citizens are left completely offline. In Iran, a blackout has now lasted 31 days, on track to become the longest complete internet shutdown ever recorded. We speak to Access Now's Felicia Anthonio and Zach Rosson about the rise of digital authoritarianism, the new tactics governments are using, and the growing resistance movement fighting to keep the world connected.


The UK Government Wants to Restrict VPNs for Teens – But Uses Them Itself
The UK is considering restricting teenagers from using VPNs to bypass online age checks under its "Growing Up in the Online World" consultation. But a new investigation from TechRadar and VPN Managing Editor Sam Woodhams has found that multiple UK government departments and public bodies regularly purchase and use the very same technology – typically enterprise VPNs for cybersecurity. Critics say the paradox raises a simple question: if VPNs are essential for protecting official data, why shouldn't ordinary citizens have the same right to privacy and security?


The programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.

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Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz  

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