Over the past two years, the Islamic Republic of Iran has employed digital, legal, and security tools to restrict cyberspace in an unprecedented manner. From widespread internet shutdowns and filtering of communication platforms to the arrest of digital rights activists, these measures reflect a comprehensive and systematic approach to controlling and suppressing digital freedoms.
Data from this period indicates that deliberate disruptions and extensive censorship have become primary tools for suppressing the digital rights of citizens. As a result, efforts to raise awareness and improve digital security for users have become increasingly crucial.
New Policies and the Suppression of Women
Legislation such as the Hijab and Chastity Bill and the “Nazer” (watch) Plan demonstrates the government’s focus on controlling and suppressing women in cyberspace. These laws criminalize the failure to adhere to Islamic dress codes on the internet and impose penalties, including the deletion of user accounts, internet disconnection, and even direct fines withdrawn from bank accounts. Based on these policies, women and opponents of mandatory hijab policies have faced the most significant pressure under these measures.
Tools of Digital Repression
The government has used a variety of digital tools to control and restrict internet access. One such tool is “class-based”, or tiered internet access, which regulates access based on users’ occupations and social status. Additionally, VPNs have been banned, with only government-approved versions permitted. This ban intensified during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests.
In line with these efforts, the Seventh Development Law allows the government to collect users’ daily data through digital systems to control and suppress dissidents. These systems grant all governmental bodies access to user information, becoming an effective tool for further repression.
Statistical Data on Internet Shutdowns and Disruptions
Internet shutdowns and disruptions have been key tools used by the Islamic Republic to suppress protests and control the digital space. According to available reports, in the past two years, internet shutdowns and deliberate disruptions have occurred repeatedly in various regions of the country. A notable example of such disruptions is the internet shutdown in Sistan and Baluchestan, which faced severe interruptions every Friday afternoon for a year and a half from September 30, 2022.
Official reports also reveal that an “internet blackout schedule” was published twice in October 2023, citing equipment updates as the reason. However, investigations show that the disruptions were far more extensive and prolonged than the announced schedules suggested. For instance, in August 2024, a severe shutdown occurred in the ArvanCloud data centers, affecting access to many services and communication platforms.
Overall, more than 60,000 minutes of deliberate internet disruptions across Iran have been reported over the past two years, including localized and nationwide shutdowns in different regions. DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) attack statistics have also reached over 430,000 during this period, indicating a high volume of internet network disruptions.
Censorship and Filtering
In addition to internet shutdowns and disruptions, widespread censorship and filtering of communication platforms constitute a significant portion of digital freedom violations. Over the past two years, platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram remain blocked. Other communication platforms and online games with chat capabilities, like Clash of Clans, have also been filtered on government orders.
Specifically, domestic platforms are required to remove any content opposing mandatory hijab within 12 hours. This has increased pressure on users and domestic platforms, resulting in broader censorship across cyberspace. Domestic platforms have also been compelled to ensure user profile pictures comply with the Islamic Republic’s dress code standards.
Arrests and Suppression of Digital Rights Activists
The arrest and repression of digital activists have been other tools the government has employed to restrict digital freedoms. Over the past two years, more than ten digital and internet activists have been arrested for content production and advocating free internet access. Well-known figures like Amir Emad Mirmirani (Jadi) have been sentenced to six years in prison for their digital rights activities.In March 2023, he announced his pardon.
Additionally, the arrest of activists who produce VPNs, such as Yousef Ghobadi, is part of this repression. The arrested individuals have mostly been detained for long periods without formal charges. These arrests have coincided with the suppression of protests in response to violations of digital rights and freedom of expression in cyberspace.
