Iraq Shuts Down Internet During National School Exams

The government of Iraq ordered a nationwide internet blackout to prevent students from cheating during the their exams. The extreme measure shows how easy internet access can be disrupted when it is controlled by a single entity.

The security of the internet remains rickety and now we're starting to hook up physical objects like cars, smart meters and home automation devices to it. With the emergence of the Internet of Things, network intrusion can take a whole new level of dangerous tempering and creepiness.

Digital technologies have the potential to greatly benefit humanity. They can spur economic growth, create jobs and provide people with new services. But the realization of that potential is not optimal, according to the World Bank. Most importantly, 60% of the world population still doesn't have access to the internet. This digital divide causes growing inequality between electronic haves and have-nots.