Executive Summary Iran’s Chastity and Hijab law—and the social backlash it has provoked, particularly following the death of Mahsa (Zhina) Amini—has prompted intensified government efforts to control women’s clothing. Although the law was officially shelved, at least temporarily, following a decision by the Supreme National Security Council in December, evidence suggests that aspects of itContinue reading "A Battlefield Named Isfahan: Targeted Use of IMSI-Catchers and Surveillance Cameras to the Enforce Chastity and Hijab Law"
Yearly Archives: 2025
Network Disruptions and Restrictive Policymaking in Iran
The digital ecosystem in Iran is grappling with multifaceted challenges. Macroeconomic pressures, security-driven policies, and ongoing technical disruptions have all significantly affected both users and businesses. At the same time, the government has intensified restrictions on financial transactions and increased pressure on cryptocurrency exchanges. These moves signal a clear intent to tighten control over theContinue reading "Network Disruptions and Restrictive Policymaking in Iran"
IranAccess During the New Year Holidays: Government Extortion of Users
The Iranian government’s internet policies have increasingly created a class-based digital system, where access is determined by income. These policies have stalled network development and caused intentional disruptions to people’s daily lives, particularly during the New Year holidays. Over the past month, these developments in network policies have significantly impacted user access to online services.Continue reading "IranAccess During the New Year Holidays: Government Extortion of Users"
YouTube: Iran’s Digital Battleground for Free Expression
This highlights that YouTube has emerged as a central platform for deep and serious discussions about the Islamic Republic, its future, and the regime's policies. But how do Iranian citizens access YouTube, and what challenges do they face? YouTube has been officially blocked in Iran since 2006, requiring users to bypass restrictions with VPNs orContinue reading "YouTube: Iran’s Digital Battleground for Free Expression"
Iran’s Technology Ecosystem: Challenges and Future Scenarios
In recent years, Iran’s technology ecosystem has faced multiple challenges, including changes in startup ownership, the exit of private investors, widespread migration of skilled professionals, and increased government oversight and control over the digital space. These trends will have significant consequences for the future of technology and innovation in Iran, potentially leading to reduced competitivenessContinue reading "Iran’s Technology Ecosystem: Challenges and Future Scenarios"
The New Supreme Council of Cyberspace Resolution Aims to Intensify Information Controls
An analysis of the resolution on lifting internet filtering suggests that the government aims to refine its approach by expanding restrictions more efficiently while minimizing the financial and social costs associated with enforcement. Nearly two months have passed since the Supreme Council of Cyberspace last convened. Although the 32-article resolution from this session has yetContinue reading "The New Supreme Council of Cyberspace Resolution Aims to Intensify Information Controls"
Iran Cyber Threat Intelligence Report: The Silent War Against Ethnic Minorities and Civil Society
This report examines the trends of cyberattacks, content management, digital rights violations, and patterns of arrests in the second half of 2024, based on data from the Digital Security Helpdesk (DSH) of the Miaan Group. The Islamic Republic of Iran's security agencies have escalated their cyber-repression efforts, employing more organized and sophisticated tactics against ethnicContinue reading "Iran Cyber Threat Intelligence Report: The Silent War Against Ethnic Minorities and Civil Society"