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Nearly three weeks after an unprecedented internet blackout engulfed Iran, the government has begun to restore limited online access to some of its 92 million citizens. However, this access remains heavily restricted, raising concerns over the regime’s intentions to control the flow of information amid a violent crackdown on dissent.
Internet Shutdown: A Tool for Suppression
On 8 January, Iran severed internet connections nationwide, a strategic move widely perceived as an attempt to stifle information regarding the government’s aggressive response to protests. The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, justified the shutdown by labelling the protests as “terrorist operations.”
Recent reports indicate that while some access has been reestablished, the vast majority of citizens still face significant barriers to connectivity. The reformist publication, Shargh, noted officials claiming mobile internet had been restored, but many users are struggling with intermittent service that only allows brief online access after multiple attempts.
The Reality of Reconnection
Independent traffic monitoring firms have documented a complex and inconsistent pattern of connectivity. Doug Madory, director of internet analysis at Kentik, emphasised that this does not signify a return to normalcy. “Major platforms are being allowed and blocked at different times during the day,” Madory stated, suggesting a trial of a new system designed to regulate internet traffic more strictly.
Experts from NetBlocks, an independent internet monitoring group, echoed these findings. Amir Rashidi, director of cyber security at the Miaan Group, pointed out that only a select group of individuals, likely pre-approved by the government, appear to have reliable access. This selective connectivity is believed to hinder the dissemination of crucial information regarding the ongoing protests.
The Toll on Society and Economy
Human rights organisations, including the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), have reported grave consequences stemming from the crackdown. As of 26 January, HRANA confirmed the deaths of 5,925 protesters, with estimates suggesting the actual figure could be significantly higher. This control over the internet has been instrumental in limiting the public’s awareness of governmental actions.
The economic ramifications are equally dire. On 26 January, Iran’s Minister of Communications, Sattar Hashemi, revealed that the internet disruption has resulted in daily losses nearing five trillion tomans (approximately $35 million or £25 million). Some businesses have been granted restricted internet access, but this is closely monitored and typically limited to 20 to 30 minutes per day under rigorous identity verification processes.
A member of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce remarked that such access is “fully rationed and strictly time-limited,” adding that failure to complete tasks within the allotted time necessitates restarting the entire verification process. This situation has generated widespread dissatisfaction among business leaders, who have described the restrictions as “paralysing and humiliating.”
A Digital Divide
The Iranian authorities appear to be seizing the opportunity presented by the unrest to implement long-planned measures aimed at tightening their grip on the internet. Reports suggest that access has been stratified, creating a tiered system that varies from complete shutdown to limited connectivity. Foreign messaging applications like WhatsApp remain largely inaccessible, while local alternatives have raised concerns regarding their security and privacy implications.
Despite these restrictions, some individuals have reported sporadic access to popular services like Google Meet and Telegram. Rashidi notes that limited internet access may inadvertently allow the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) for those seeking to bypass governmental controls. However, there are indications that the authorities are actively working to stifle VPN functionality, maintaining a tight control over who can connect online.
Why it Matters
The situation in Iran underscores a broader struggle for digital freedom and access to information in an age where connectivity is essential for communication and activism. The government’s efforts to control the internet not only hinder civil liberties but also stifle economic growth and innovation. As the crisis unfolds, the implications of these restrictions will resonate far beyond Iran’s borders, affecting international perceptions and relations with a regime increasingly perceived as repressive.
