Network shutdowns refer to the intentional disruption of electronic communications mandated by a government.
Managing shutdowns
Vodafone and other telcos must comply with shutdown orders when compelled to do so, in accordance with local law. Network shutdowns can be geographically targeted and therefore affect specific communities, or implemented nationally, and can apply to all communications or specific platforms. We have identified network shutdowns as one of our salient human rights issues.
Our approach
Vodafone's approach to network shutdowns is governed by our Law Enforcement Assistance Policy (our 'LEA Policy') and our Human Rights (including Child Rights) Policy (our 'Human Rights Policy'). Our Human Rights Policy is informed by international instruments and guidance including the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, the United Nations Global Compact Principles, the Global Network Initiative Principles and the UNICEF Children's Rights and Business Principles. Our Human Rights Policy requires that we seek ways to respect human rights, even when faced with conflicting requirements, and that we give special consideration to the rights of vulnerable groups. Our LEA Policy requires that when we assist law enforcement authorities, we do so only under certain carefully prescribed circumstances.
All shutdown demands must be evaluated by an appropriately qualified and senior solicitor of the operating company, to determine whether the demand has been issued in accordance with local law and whether the operating company has a legal obligation to comply. Our operating companies interpret shutdown demands as narrowly as is lawfully possible, to mitigate the impact on rightsholders. If a shutdown demand appears overly broad, unlawful or otherwise inconsistent with applicable law, the operating company will seek clarification or modification from authorised officials.
Vodafone advocates for governments to end the indiscriminate use of shutdowns.
