Egypt Leaves the Internet

In an unprecedented turn of events, Egypt has cut off virtually all access to the Internet, reports here on Renesys and here on CNN leaving the country off the grid. Authorities there have also cut off cell phone services.

Of course, this is an attempt to silence dissent, to limit access to news stories, and to prevent political protesters from using the web as a tool with which to organize. There are, however, bigger implications that are relatively unknown: what happens when an entire country disconnects?

Ultimately, the bigger question is whether the ties formed through the web are stronger than the muscle and guns of authority? The internet is a tool, enabling organizing, exchange of information, protest. But ultimately, the revolution has to be fought hand-to-hand in the real world.