Access Quote by Rebecca MacKinnon
“While sanctions against Iran and Syria are intended to constrain those countries' governments, they have had the unfortunate side effect of constraining activists' access to free online software and services used widely across the Middle East, including browsers, online chat applications, and online storage services.”
About This Quote
Source Article: “Digital Sanctions and Their Unintended Consequences”, 2020
Sanctions aimed at governments unintentionally restrict activists’ access to essential online tools, hindering free expression.
In simple terms: Sanctions hurt activists’ internet access.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for targeted sanctions that protect civil society.
Themes
sanctions
digital rights
activism
internet freedom
policy
Mood
concerned
determined
Type
policy
advocacy
When to use this quote
- humanitarian aid
- policy design
- tech development
Key Concepts
access restrictions
censorship
technology
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- How can sanctions be refined to avoid harming activists?
- What alternatives protect both security and digital freedom?
A Different Perspective
Sanctions can be designed with exemptions for civil society.
![“I would have never released the sanctions [for Iran] before there was consistent evidence of compliance.” quote by Rand Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ba1/rand-paul-606_compliance_i-would-have-never-released-the-sanction_2556507.jpg)
