SPLINTERNET: INTERNET FRAGMENTATION AND ITS IMPACTS ON DEMOCRACY

Abstract

The text is a reflection on the fragmentation of the internet and how this may represent a challenge to democracy. This phenomenon, called "splinternet," has been observed through actions that structurally segment the global communication network and restrict access to the internet. In this sense, the impacts on human rights to information and communication are considered. The goal of the research is to analyze the actions of control over the internet carried out by governmental authorities and how this reflects on the implementation of democratic ideals and human rights. The hypothetico-deductive method is adopted, using books, scientific articles, and reports from non-governmental organizations. Considering a growing wave of state interventions aimed at establishing restrictions on internet use in recent years (alleged digital authoritarianism), the article points to asymmetries between the use of technology and democratic realization, as well as the implications arising from situations in which full access to the internet network has been partially or completely restricted due to political, economic, geographical restrictions and censorship.