Information controls

Information controls refer to the mechanisms, strategies, and regulations employed by governments, organisations, or private agents to manage, restrict, manipulate, or censor the flow of information within society or across digital platforms. Information controls focusing on state action consist of deliberate efforts by governments to regulate and manage the dissemination of information within their jurisdiction. Distinguishing between legitimate and illegitimate use of information controls is an ongoing endeavour in research as well as politics. This entry broadens our understanding of information controls by emphasising the extent to which controls respect or restrict information rights. First, it presents research on information controls on the African continent, typically centred on repression and censorship of the traditional mass media and online content, i.e., restricting rights. Second, the entry argues that writings on transparency and access to public information provide valuable insights into government controls on information, showing how controls can simultaneously restrict and promote information rights, i.e., respecting rights.