This Sunday, June 11, Algerians returned to Internet blackouts and disruptions on the first day of the BAC 2023 exams.

Last week, the authorities had announced tough measures to combat cheating in the BEM and BAC exams, without mentioning the Internet blackouts.

As there were no blackouts during the three days of the BEM exams (June 5, 6 and 7), hopes were pinned on the possibility of a BAC 2023 without Internet access disruptions.

BAC 2023: a long week of Internet blackouts

In the end, this was not the case, and the government did not deviate from the rule that has been in force for years: cut off and disrupt Internet access to prevent cheating on the BAC.

As soon as the examination centers opened and the tests began, Internet access was severely restricted, and in some cases cut off altogether. Access to social networks and instant messaging was impossible for much of the day on Sunday June 11, much to the dismay of users and businesses alike.

The Internet was momentarily restored between 12:30 and 13:00, before being cut off again from around 14:00 until 16:30.

So the authorities are not content with legal measures against cheaters. The solution of cutting off the Internet is being used again, as it has been for several years now.

Neither Algérie Télécom, the public monopoly for ADSL Internet, nor the three mobile operators (Mobilis, Ooredoo and Djezzy) have communicated on these blackouts affecting their customers. Will customers receive compensation?

The government, which is struggling to find other solutions to combat cheating at the BAC via the Internet, is strangely silent about this procedure, despite its unpopularity.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)