Social media suspension in Gabon: the real cost of internet slowdown

Gabon's decision to suspend social media access in February, in response to content deemed dangerous or destabilizing, resulted in a nationwide internet slowdown. This measure, initially aimed at curbing abuses by a few, has penalized all users, including students, researchers, journalists, and entrepreneurs, who face disruptions to videoconferences, delayed transactions, and lost clients. Despite the restrictions, public institutions and administrations continue to use social media for communication, creating a paradox. The economic cost of a degraded internet is significant, leading to decreased productivity for businesses, delayed orders, and lost opportunities. Modern economies rely on efficient communication tools, and a slow internet hinders growth and diversification efforts. The article argues that a country's attractiveness depends on its infrastructure quality, including digital, and reducing internet access sends a concerning signal to investors, especially in a country already facing high electricity costs. It suggests that a more balanced approach, focusing on proportionate and targeted responses, would be more suitable than a measure with indistinct effects, emphasizing that while security and stability are legitimate concerns, judicial mechanisms and technical reinforcement could address infractions without penalizing the entire population. Ultimately, a slow internet could impede Gabon's ambitions to attract investors, stimulate innovation, and develop its dig