Exam-ining recent Internet shutdowns in Syria, Iraq, and Algeria

Cheating on exams has become easier with the growth of mobile connectivity and social media, leading some governments to take aggressive action to prevent it. In recent years, Syria, Iraq, and Algeria have implemented nationwide internet shutdowns during exam periods as a measure against cheating. However, these shutdowns have been criticized for their broad negative impact on society. Some governments are now turning to more nuanced techniques such as content blocking or connection tampering, which can be just as disruptive as full shutdowns. The exact methods used by these countries to implement internet disruptions remain difficult to identify from the outside.