SHRINKING DEMOCRACY, GROWING VIOLENCE 40 provides the authority to impose such blocks.209 The Armenian government is also seeking to legitimize shutdowns in the future by amending the existing law.210 Central Asia It was not only conflict that sparked shutdowns in the EECA region in 2023. Governments in Central Asia continued using them in efforts to curb dissent. Authorities across Central Asia used shutdowns to crack down on a wave of protests in 2022.211 Repressive measures led to more limited protests activity in 2023, and therefore an overall drop in the number of shutdowns in the region, but the problem persists and authorities have not demonstrated a willingness to reform. In Kazakhstan, for example, after tens of thousands took to the streets in 2022, authorities deployed a relentless campaign against activists and community organizers, making it nearly impossible to organize public demonstrations without facing serious repercussions.212 At local rallies and events dedicated to the anniversary of the 2022 protests, community members reported the suspected use of signal jammers, indicating authorities’ continued willingness to use disruptions to silence people.213 In Turkmenistan, authorities continued to block major social media platforms and VPNs as a measure of control.214 They also shut down internet access across the country for several days in June 2023 during the launch of a new city named in honor of Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov, who had ended a 16-year presidential term after handing the role over to his son.215 209 Access Now (2023). Open letter: Armenian government must safeguard internet access and freedom of expression, abandon the provision in law “On the Legal Regime of Martial Law.” https://www.accessnow.org/press-release/open-letterarmenian-law-must-prohibit-internet-shutdowns/; Access Now (2023). Armenia National Security Service Director Letter. https:// www.accessnow.org/armenia-national-security-service-director-letter-tiktok-blocking 210 Eurasianet (2023). Armenian authorities seek new internet censorship powers under martial law. https://eurasianet.org/ armenian-authorities-seek-new-internet-censorship-powers-under-martial-law 211 Supra note 1. Access Now (2023). 212 Radio Free Europe (2023). Kazakhstan Still Not Allowing Space For Protests. https://www.rferl.org/a/kazakhstan-notallowing-protests/32648115.html 213 Vlast (2021). Hundreds of people attended a rally of the Democratic Party in Almaty. https://vlast.kz/novosti/44711-sotnicelovek-vysli-na-miting-dempartii-v-almaty.html; see also Radio Azattyk (2020). “Nazarbayev, ket!” Calls for the resignation of the “leader of the nation” at a rally for reforms. https://rus.azattyq.org/a/kazakhstan-almaty-rally-on-political-reforms/30922602. html; Mediazone (2021). Women's march and rally in Almaty. https://mediazona.ca/online/2021/03/08/marsh 214 Turkmen News (2023). Digital vacuum. What hostings, providers, and services are blocked in Turkmenistan? https:// turkmen.news/cifrovoj-vakuum-kakie-hostingi-provajdery-i-servisy-zablokirovany-v-turkmenistane/; Progres (2024). The State Directed Internet Blockade Continued in Turkmenistan in 2023. https://progres.online/society/the-state-directed-internetblockade-continued-in-turkmenistan-in-2023/; Access Now (2023). What Turkmenistan internet shutdown tells us about digital repression in Central Asia. https://www.accessnow.org/turkmenistan-internet-shutdowns/ 215 Civicus Monitor (2023). Internet disruptions, deportations of Turkey-based activists and bread protests. https://monitor.civicus.org/explore/internet-disruptions-deportations-of-turkey-based-activists-and-bread-protests/; AP News (2023). Turkmenistan's president expands his father's power. https://apnews.com/article/politics-gurbanguly-berdimuhamedowturkmenistan-a8e746a5bb9935323f3f52e193b54468