Governments pulling the plug on the internet. It sounds like something out of a dystopian flick, but it’s happening with alarming regularity. We’re told it’s about control, about quelling dissent, or even about protecting citizens from natural disasters. But let’s cut the crap. When the internet goes dark, who really benefits?
Look, I’ve seen this movie before. Silicon Valley churns out a shiny new product, everyone swoons, and then the fine print emerges. This isn’t any different. While the headlines scream about the devastation to human rights — and believe me, it is devastating — the real story often gets buried under a mountain of corporate jargon and good intentions.
So, what does this news mean for you, the average person trying to call your cousin or check the weather? It means you’re still vulnerable. It means your government, or some other actor with enough use, can still pull the plug on your digital life without much recourse. And as the original article points out, these shutdowns are increasingly becoming a prelude to more sinister actions. Iran’s brutal crackdown following their January 2026 shutdown, or the U.S. military’s alleged role in Venezuela’s recent blackout, are stark reminders that losing connectivity isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a prelude to potential violence.
Who’s Selling Us Our Own Connection Back?
Now, you’d think, given the rampant use of these tactics, that there’d be a booming industry dedicated to preventing them. But that’s not where the money is, is it? Instead, the real gold rush is in providing the alternatives when the lights go out. We’re talking about radios, peer-to-peer apps, and yes, satellite internet. The same companies that might have a hand in lobbying for or benefiting from such shutdowns are often the ones positioning themselves as the saviors.
Take radios. The article touts Meshtastic devices at around $20 as a cheap, decentralized solution. Sounds great, right? Until you realize that building a functional network still requires a degree of technical know-how, and you’re relying on individuals to fork over cash for hardware that might be rendered useless the moment the grid comes back online. Amateur radio, or ham radio, has been around for ages. It works, no doubt, but it requires a license and significant training. It’s not exactly plug-and-play for the masses.
Then there are the peer-to-peer messaging apps. Briar, for instance. The concept is sound: use Bluetooth to bounce messages around. But the reality? “Almost nobody has the app installed and it’s difficult to use.” This is the recurring theme. If it’s not ubiquitous before the shutdown, it’s a pipe dream during it. Bitchat, tainted by its association with Jack Dorsey (because everything he touches gets a side-eye), is another attempt. Delta Chat, hailed for its email routing capabilities, sounds promising, but again, it relies on a sliver of email access – a luxury not everyone has when the state controls the flow of information.
Satellite internet is an internet connection that uses a connection to a satellite dish to reach the internet, such as Starlink. Since there are no wires and no physical connection to infrastructure,
This is where the real money lies. Satellite internet providers, like Musk’s Starlink, are the darlings of the shutdown era. Why? Because they bypass the terrestrial infrastructure that governments can so easily target. They position themselves as the ultimate resilience solution. But let’s not forget who operates these constellations. They’re massive, expensive operations, and while they might offer a lifeline, they also come with their own set of vulnerabilities and, more importantly, significant profit margins. Suddenly, those $20 Meshtastic devices seem quaint.
The Cycle of Control and Commerce
What we’re witnessing is a perverse kind of symbiosis. Governments exert control by shutting down access, and in the ensuing chaos, a new market emerges for those who can offer alternative connections. It’s a neat little loop where the problem creates the solution, and the solution, naturally, generates revenue.
My unique insight here? This isn’t just about technology; it’s about power. The power to disconnect, and the power to reconnect – for a price. The companies developing these workarounds aren’t just altruistic tech enthusiasts; they are businesses spotting an opportunity in disruption. And the more shutdowns we see, the more entrenched these alternative communication channels become, potentially creating a parallel internet infrastructure that benefits from, rather than combats, the very problem it’s supposed to solve.
We’re not just talking about losing access to cat videos. We’re talking about an erosion of fundamental rights and the creation of a market that profits from that erosion. It’s a story as old as time, just with shinier gadgets and more sophisticated buzzwords.
Is This Actually About Helping People?
Ultimately, the question isn’t whether these tools can work, but whether they are designed to be genuinely accessible and sustainable for the average person, or if they’re just another way for a select few to profit from our collective vulnerability. The tech glitters, the narrative is compelling, but the reality of who gets to speak and who gets to listen often boils down to who has the deepest pockets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ways to communicate during an internet shutdown?
Radios (like Meshtastic and ham radio), peer-to-peer messaging apps (like Briar or Delta Chat), and satellite internet are all potential solutions, each with varying degrees of accessibility and effectiveness.
Will I need to be a tech expert to use these tools?
Ideally, no. The article mentions that solutions should be “accessible and sustainable on a community level, not just to people with vast financial resources or technical knowledge.” However, many current options still require some technical proficiency or pre-installation.
Who is profiting from internet shutdowns?
While the article focuses on the tools for circumvention, the underlying system of government-imposed shutdowns creates opportunities for companies providing alternative communication methods, particularly satellite internet providers and hardware manufacturers.
