Internet shutdowns have increasingly become a weapon for political control, allowing governments to silence dissent, limit access to information, and preserve power during times of turmoil. The Gulf states are not immune to this problem.

The Rise of Internet Shutdowns in the Gulf

In recent years, governments across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have increasingly relied on internet restrictions to control public discourse. However, their usage of information controls are not always limiting. Many governments use these tools to try to manage and encourage various kinds of online behaviour, such as nationalistic sentiment, in ways that preserve economic benefits while increasing public support for the regime or chosen allies. However, the reality is that such actions frequently coincide with periods of political tension, protests, or significant governmental decisions.

The figures within the regions are staggering and emphasizes an overt overuse of such controls. The MENA region saw a surge in internet shutdowns, with 37 instances reported in 2022; a 62% increase from the previous year. By 2023, this figure had risen to 77 across 15 countries, marking the highest number recorded since tracking began in 2016. 

Notable Cases of Internet Disruptions in the Gulf

While full-scale national shutdowns are rare in the Gulf compared to other MENA states, targeted internet disruptions have been documented:

• Bahrain (2016-2017): Authorities disrupted internet services in the village of Diraz for nearly a year to suppress protests against the government. Reports indicate that the outage was orchestrated to prevent activists from mobilizing online. According to Bahrain Watch, 
• Saudi Arabia and UAE (2017-2019): Both nations blocked access to Qatari media outlets, including Al Jazeera, as part of the diplomatic blockade against Qatar. This move was part of a broader strategy to control narratives and limit dissent. 

The Political Implications of the Kill Switch

Internet shutdowns in the Gulf serve multiple purposes:

• Suppressing Dissent: By cutting off communication channels, authorities can disrupt coordination among activists and prevent protests from gaining momentum.
• Controlling Narratives: Restricting access to certain websites or slowing down social media platforms ensures that government-approved narratives dominate public discourse.
• Protecting Regime Stability: Authorities argue that shutdowns are necessary for national security, though critics view them as mechanisms to silence opposition and avoid scrutiny.

To summarise, internet shutdowns in the Gulf are both technological and politically motivated. They constitute an intentional effort by authorities to impose domination over public discourse, limit the strength of opposition, and maintain their grasp on power by regulating the flow of information, all in the name of preserving national security. The larger political ramifications of such operations go beyond the digital sphere, affecting the basic fabric of political freedom and human rights in the area.

International and Regional Responses

The international community has condemned internet shutdowns as a violation of fundamental human rights. The United Nations has reaffirmed that access to the internet is a key enabler of freedom of expression, with the UN Human Rights Council passing resolutions against internet disruptions (United Nations).

In the Gulf, however, regional responses have been muted. GCC states prioritize national sovereignty over digital rights, which has created grey areas allowing governments to consistently implement restrictive measures with little external interference. While international advocacy groups continue to push for accountability, meaningful change remains unlikely without a more cohesive push for regulations around digital rights.