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Blocking internet jeopardizes early warnings
Research from Chatfield and Brajawidagda published in 2012 stated that government agencies responsible for emergency and disaster services used social media for early warnings and clarifying often alarming misinformation. This function would cease to exist if the internet is blocked.
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Any good intentions for blocking the internet to stop the spread of hoaxes, hate speech and misinformation, including the sharing of photos and videos on social media, although temporary, do not outweigh the adverse effects. (Shutterstock/Creativa Images)
T
he government blocked the internet for the second time last month since a temporary ban was imposed on the grounds of avoiding further violence following the official announcement of the presidential election results. This time the reason cited was to avoid further spread of incitements to unrest after Papuan students were inflicted with racist slurs in Surabaya, East Java.
Any good intentions for blocking the internet to stop the spread of hoaxes, hate speech and misinformation, including the sharing of photos and videos on social media, although temporary, do not outweigh the adverse effects.
Studies have shown that the effectiveness of banning social media is still disputable. Obvious impacts include financial loses to e-commerce sites, such as online shopping platforms via WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram.
What did we learn from the previous internet ban in Jakarta?
Missing from the controversy was how the ban can jeopardize the early warning capability ahead of natural hazards in Indonesia. Social media has a role to provide information to the community about imminent risks, such as upcoming floods, tsunami and volcano eruptions.
Research from Chatfield and Brajawidagda published in 2012 stated that government agencies responsible for emergency and disaster services used social media for early warnings and clarifying often alarming misinformation. This function would cease to exist if the internet is blocked.
During the social media ban of May 22 to 26 after the announcement of the general elections results, Mount Agung on Bali erupted massively. The volcano ejected lava, causing fires 3 kilometers away from the peak.
