"Social media and messaging apps restricted in Zambia on election day"

Network data from NetBlocks confirm that social media platforms Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and messaging apps Messenger and WhatsApp have been restricted on multiple internet providers in Zambia on Thursday 12 August 2021 amid presidential and parliamentary elections. Metrics corroborate widespread user reports of loss access to the services.

Measurements indicate that WhatsApp frontend and backend servers initially become unavailable from Thursday afternoon, followed by the other platforms approximately one hour later. The restrictions are likely to limit the free flow of information online presenting a challenge to election transparency as polls are held and votes counted. Social media access was restored from Friday evening while WhatsApp remained unavailable until Saturday morning.