The introduction of the Internet to Iran dates back to the 1990s. Officially, the Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM), with support from the United Nations, established Iran’s first internet connection in 1993. Since then, unrestricted internet access for Iranians has faced numerous challenges. Additionally, U.S. foreign policy toward Iran under its last three presidents has significantly influenced Iran’s internet access and infrastructure.
Episode 6 of Season 2 of the Layer 7 podcast delves into these policies, exploring how Washington’s sanctions on Tehran and its initiatives to counter censorship have influenced Iranians’ access to VPNs and an uncensored internet.
The Obama Era: A Dual Approach
U.S. sanctions against Iran date back to 1979, following the takeover of the American embassy in Tehran and the hostage crisis involving 52 diplomats and citizens. However, the most targeted sanctions came during Barack Obama’s presidency from 2009 to 2016, primarily in response to Iran’s nuclear program, regional policies, and human rights violations. These sanctions were broad and diverse, ultimately leading to the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015.
The Obama administration adopted a dual approach to Iran’s digital landscape. On one hand, it imposed strict sanctions, but on the other, it supported efforts to increase Iranians’ access to open information and communication technologies. Recognizing the importance of internet access for the Iranian populace, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued exemptions allowing American tech companies to provide communication tools to Iranians. These exemptions enabled platforms like social media networks and messaging apps to operate in Iran, aiming to empower citizens with tools for secure and free communication.
During this period, tools to bypass censorship, such as VPNs, were introduced to Iranians with U.S. support. Licenses like General License D-1 permitted the export of software and services related to personal communications to Iran, facilitating access to tools that circumvented government-imposed internet restrictions. These measures were critical in enabling Iranians to bypass censorship and access unrestricted information.
Challenges Despite Support
While these exemptions allowed American companies to offer services in Iran, many companies hesitated to do so due to legal complexities and concerns about violating opaque regulations. Giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft often avoided engaging with Iranian users, fearing penalties or sanctions. As a result, many tools and services offered under these licenses became outdated or insecure over time, exposing users to cybersecurity threats.
The Trump Administration: Maximum Pressure Meets Digital Freedom
The Trump administration (2017–2020) adopted a “maximum pressure” strategy against the Iranian government, implementing extensive sanctions. While these measures primarily aimed to weaken the government, they included provisions to support Iranian civil society and promote free internet access.
Trump’s policies included introducing tools to bypass censorship and additional sanctions targeting entities involved in restricting internet access in Iran. These efforts helped Iranians access VPNs and anti-censorship tools, especially during periods when the government restricted or shut down the internet. However, broader sanctions also limited Iran’s access to advanced communication technologies and created legal hurdles for U.S. companies providing digital services to Iranians.
During Trump’s presidency, several Iranian entities, such as the Telecommunications Infrastructure Company, Mobinnet, Mobile Telecommunication Company of Iran (MCI), and Iran’s National Cyberspace Center, were sanctioned for their roles in censorship and internet control. These measures aimed to curb the Iranian government’s ability to monitor and restrict online activities.
The Biden Administration: Continuity and Adjustments
Although the Biden administration (2021–present) eased some of Trump’s oil-related sanctions, it maintained a hardline approach toward Iran’s nuclear ambitions. This continuity affected Iranians’ access to online applications and software. Biden’s administration continued to facilitate access to anti-censorship technologies and supported secure communication tools, echoing efforts from previous administrations.
A key focus of Biden’s technology sanctions has been to limit the Iranian government’s access to surveillance and censorship technologies. Sanctions targeted companies and individuals involved in digital repression, such as the Iranian firms “Douran” and “Yaftar,” and former ICT Minister Mohammad Javad Azari Jahromi. These sanctions aimed to increase the cost of participation in digital suppression for both state-affiliated companies and individuals.
The Impact of Sanctions on National Internet Efforts
The Iranian government has long pursued the creation of a national internet under the guise of protecting citizens and promoting local services. Despite sanctions, Tehran has accelerated efforts to establish this intranet system. Critics argue that some infrastructure-related sanctions inadvertently facilitated this shift by limiting Iranians’ access to popular international tools and platforms like Google Play, Apple’s App Store, and Microsoft services. This forced users to rely on less secure, government-controlled domestic platforms, aiding the regime’s goal of implementing its National Information Network.
