The true cost of Internet shutdowns across the world  Internet shutdowns around the world cost more than $9 billion US according to Top10vpn.com. Their annual report “The Global Cost of Internet Shutdowns” shows that 196 major self-imposed internet blackouts happened in 25 countries and 747 million people were impacted. Russia, Ethiopia and Iran were the worst culprits. Unsurprisingly, 50% of the outages were linked to additional human rights abuses. Samuel Woodhams, Digital Rights Lead at Top10VPN.com and one of the authors of the report is on the show.   2024 is the biggest ever election year – how will tech impact the results?  65 countries including the US, India, Russia and Mexico are holding elections this year and more than 2 billion people have the right to vote. But will democracy withstand the march of AI and other technology that will bring with them a wave of disinformation and deep fakes with less scrutiny and checks on social media? Gareth and Peter discuss the risks posed to elections by technology this year.  The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest.   More on the show: Internet Shutdowns: Economic Impact 2023 – Top10vpn Report  In a year full of elections, does Big Tech have democracy’s back?  Support the showEditor: Ania Lichtarowicz Production Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Follow us on all the socials: Join our Facebook group Instagram Twitter/X If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts Contact us by email: [email protected] Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484 Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World