Functionality of Digital Firewalls

·        Firewalls, essential for cybersecurity, serve to block online traffic to specific destinations. Though primarily designed for security, they are increasingly associated with censorship.

·        Extensive firewalls like the Great Firewall of China can prevent access to large portions of the Internet by countries.

Impact of Government-Implemented Firewalls

·        Such firewalls can hinder access to information critical of authorities, impacting activists and journalists.

·        Internet shutdowns and social media blocks can disrupt education and healthcare services, with substantial economic costs.

Challenges and Concerns with Firewalls

·        Implementation and maintenance of firewalls entail high costs and ongoing supervision to counter threats.

·        Antitrust worries may arise due to restricted competition and favoritism towards government-sanctioned platforms.

·        Indications of potential alignment with market monopolies, leading to diminished user experiences and stifled innovation.