According to NetBlocks, multiple internet providers in Zambia have been throttling WhatsApp on Thursday, August 12, as the country heads to the polls for the presidential and parliamentary elections.
⚠️ Confirmed: WhatsApp messaging app restricted in #Zambia on election day; real-time network data show loss of service on multiple internet providers as polls get under way, corroborating widespread user reports; incident ongoing #ZambiaDecides2021
📰 https://t.co/HZOMpYXdSX pic.twitter.com/9b2GZ87UHO
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) August 12, 2021
“Measurements indicate that WhatsApp frontend and backend servers have become unavailable from Thursday afternoon. The restrictions are likely to limit the free flow of information online presenting a challenge to election transparency as polls are held.”
The restrictions on WhatsApp identified by Netblocks are on Zambian operators Zamtel (state-controlled), Airtel Zambia, Liquid Telecom, and MTN.
