It is not a wise idea to put all your eggs in one basket. Especially if you have little ownership of that basket. Recent feuds between governments and social media giants highlight the risks of relying on third-party platforms for business.

Here’s why owning your business website is essential, especially with increasing government interventions.

Government-Social Media Conflicts

Governments are increasingly exerting control over digital platforms. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, faced charges in France for insufficient policing of content, while Mark Zuckerberg was pressured by the Biden administration to moderate information during the Covid-19 pandemic. Brazil’s Supreme Court even temporarily shut down X (formerly Twitter) due to a conflict with Elon Musk. 

These incidents reveal a growing pattern of government influence over online platforms.

Why Owning Your Website Matters

• Sovereignty Over Content: Your website is your domain. You control the content, free from government or platform policies.
• Data Control: Social media data is accessible to governments, but your website allows you to control customer data and safeguard privacy.
• Brand Integrity: Your website lets you craft and protect your brand narrative without the risk of external censorship.
• Resilience Against Bans: In regions prone to censorship, owning your website ensures continued accessibility, even if social media is blocked.

It May Get Worse in Africa

Africa’s political diversity creates unique challenges. In countries with authoritarian tendencies, governments may justify internet shutdowns or platform bans by citing global trends.

Take recent protests in Kenya for example. They were organized via X Spaces. President Ruto eventually had to face furious young people in an online debate on the platform formerly known as Twitter. Tanzania authorities have long been wary of the platform.

So the episodes we are currently seeing, especially the case of Telegram’s Durov, are likely to be cited in future by governments seeking to defend their own crackdowns on social-media platforms, justified or not.

For businesses in these regions (personal brands and solopreneurs included), having a website isn’t just a marketing tool—it’s a lifeline for communication and operations.

Strategic Recommendations

• Hosting and Domain: Use hosting services and registrars outside restrictive jurisdictions to avoid government interference. 
• Decentralized Technologies and Backup Plans: Explore blockchain or decentralized hosting solutions that are resistant to censorship. Prepare contingency plans with alternative communication channels or emergency hosting options if your primary site is compromised.
• Content Strategy: Build a content plan that respects local laws while maintaining your brand’s voice to avoid site takedowns. 

Conclusion

Recent government clashes with social media remind us of the risks in relying on third-party platforms for business. Owning your website isn’t just about digital real estate—it’s about protecting your business’s voice, data, and operations in an increasingly volatile online environment. 

For businesses, especially those in politically sensitive regions, this control could mean the difference between thriving and merely surviving.