The Guardian view on the splinternet: where China led, Iran and others are eagerly following Authoritarian states, led by China, are increasingly controlling internet access by shutting down or throttling connections, creating isolated online spheres. This trend, known as the splinternet, involves exporting censorship tools and promoting domestic platforms. The rise of internet shutdowns and sophisticated state controls poses a threat to digital freedom and human rights globally.

• Authoritarian states are creating separate internet spheres, fragmenting the global network.
• China is a pioneer in ‘cyber sovereignty,’ exporting censorship technologies and expertise.
• Iran and other countries are adopting similar internet control measures.
• Internet shutdowns reached a record high in the past year, often occurring during crises.
• While shutdowns can be economically devastating, more sophisticated methods involve restricting access to specific platforms and promoting domestic alternatives.
• Digital freedom activists face challenges as funding for their work is cut, and democracies should support efforts to hold tech companies accountable in authoritarian states.
• The rise of the splinternet damages digital freedoms and the fundamental human right to information and expression.