F10. Network shutdown (telecommunications companies)

1. Does the company clearly explain the reason(s) why it may shut down service to a particular area or group of users?
2. Does the company clearly explain why it may restrict access to specific applications or protocols (e.g., VoIP, messaging) in a particular area or to a specific group of users?
3. Does the company clearly explain its process for responding to requests to shut down a network or restrict access to a service?
4. Does the company commit to push back on requests to shut down a network or restrict access to a service?
5. Does the company clearly disclose that it notifies users directly when it shuts down the network or restricts access to a service?
6. Does the company list the number of network shutdown requests it receives?
7. Does the company clearly identify the specific legal authority that makes the request?
8. Does the company list the number of requests with which it complied?

Network shutdowns are a growing threat to human rights. The UN Human Rights Council has condemned network shutdowns as a violation of international human rights law and called on governments to refrain from taking these actions. Yet governments are increasingly ordering telecommunications companies to shut down their networks, which in turn puts pressure on companies to take actions that violate their responsibility to respect human rights. We expect companies to fully disclose to the circumstances under which they might take such action and to report on the requests they receive to take such actions.

Potential Sources:

• Company terms of service, acceptable use policy, community standards, content guidelines, abusive behavior policy, or similar document that explains the rules users have to follow.
• Company transparency report
• Company law enforcement guidelines