False flags and internet censorship: A cautionary tale

The Internet went down in Mauritius -- and you should be afraid. Homes, businesses, and even mobile/wireless users were unable to access much of the online world on Monday thanks to what government IT managers are calling an 'external cyberattack from multiple locations.' Without providing any evidence, the Information and Communications Technology Authority (ICTA), which oversees the telecom infrastructure on the island, pointed to 'outside forces' while ratcheting up its rhetoric about needing to monitor all Internet traffic to and from the island in order to counter 'hateful, defamatory and sectarian comments on social media.' Using a crisis to justify… [Continue Reading]