With the increasing access to the global internet and the rise of social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), the Iranian government has frequently used internet restrictions and targeted shutdowns as a key method of suppressing dissent, especially following the 2009 protests. Despite these limitations, a significant number of users within the country continue to seek ways to access the free flow of information.
But what tools are available if restrictions intensify under plans like the “Protection” bill or if, as in November 2019, the government decides to impose a nationwide internet blackout? This article introduces two essential tools that can help ordinary people reconnect to the free world of information during internet shutdowns.
Extended Internet Blackouts
November 2019 marked a turning point in the Iranian government’s use of internet blackouts to suppress protests. To prevent news of widespread human rights violations from spreading, the government imposed a 10-day nationwide internet shutdown.
More recently, during the Khuzestan protests in 2021—sparked by a worsening water crisis, frequent power outages, and government incompetence—regional internet blackouts were once again used as a tool of suppression, though this time, the shutdowns were limited to certain cities in Khuzestan.
In addition to these incidents, other provinces such as Sistan and Baluchestan, and Kurdistan have repeatedly experienced internet blackouts and restrictions, especially during protests such as workers’ and teachers’ strikes. During the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, which began on September 16, 2022, following the death of Zhina Mahsa Amini, while there wasn’t a nationwide shutdown, internet restrictions targeted specific provinces and certain times of the day. The increased filtering and limitations on internet access, however, severely disrupted communication.
These efforts by the Iranian government to control access to information have led digital rights activists to focus more closely on internet shutdowns in Iran and ways to counter these blackouts. In September 2023, the website “Surfshark,” which promotes free internet access, reported that Iran had implemented the highest number of internet restrictions worldwide in the winter of 2023 and spring of 2024.
In the tenth episode of the “Seventh Layer” podcast, we explore the process of internet blackouts in Iran and introduce two tools that, beyond their everyday uses, can help Iranians stay connected to free information even during internet shutdowns.
Introducing Tools That Help
EQSat and the Ceno browser are two tools that can be particularly useful during internet shutdowns. Both tools were developed by the Montreal-based digital security organization “eQualitie,” which focuses on helping users access free internet.
In an interview with Filterwatch, Dmitri Vitaliev, the founder of eQualitie, explained how these tools work and how users in Iran can benefit during internet blackouts. “The Iran blackout project showed us that we not only lack solutions during disruptions but also awareness about them,” he said.
Vitaliev further explained that their solution, EQSat, uses satellite technology to transmit information, which is then distributed within Iran through the Ceno network.
Ceno is a browser based on Firefox but uses BitTorrent to share and distribute data. Unlike traditional torrenting, which typically involves sharing files like movies, Ceno allows users to share URLs or web addresses. For example, you can type “Radio Farda” into the browser, and Ceno checks whether anyone on the BitTorrent network has access to the page and can share it with you.
“If the answer is yes,” Vitaliev explained, “two users can connect via their mobile phones and share the desired content or website directly.” This means that if one person has accessed Radio Farda, they can make it available to others who are connected via the Ceno network.
Prepping Before the Crisis
Vitaliev added an important note about how the BitTorrent network functions: “In the BitTorrent network, there are no borders or specific countries. It’s possible that someone, who is Iranian but lives in London or Los Angeles, has opened the page in their Ceno browser, allowing users in Iran to access that content.”
He emphasized that the more users who have these tools installed, the more effectively free information can be spread, especially during internet blackouts. However, it’s crucial for users in Iran to download these tools before an internet shutdown occurs.
Tamesh: Another Critical Tool
Another tool introduced in the tenth episode of the “Seventh Layer” podcast is Tamesh, a 100% user-friendly tool that anyone, regardless of technical knowledge, can use during an internet blackout.
Founded in 2012, Tamesh aims to provide Iranians with access to blocked news and information. Like Ceno, Tamesh uses satellite technology to transmit data, including news, educational materials, music, and entertainment. These data packages are accessible in Iran via satellite during internet shutdowns.
According to Alireza Firoozi, the executive director of Tamesh, the tool was designed to be simple and accessible to users of all levels of technical expertise. He explained that Tamesh “tricks” satellite receivers into picking up and recording the transmitted data, similar to how one might record a TV program.
After recording, users can plug the USB drive into their phone or computer to access the saved information, which can include software, videos, or even PDFs. In the event of an internet blackout, these files will also contain practical tools like VPNs and essential news updates.
Firoozi noted that Tamesh operates like a Trojan Horse, delivering information through satellite transmissions. However, just like with EQSat and Ceno, users must download the Tamesh app while they still have internet access, as it will be unavailable once the internet is shut down.
Timely Action
Internet shutdowns and restrictions in Iran have become a major concern for many, disrupting daily life and creating significant challenges for those reliant on internet access.
As Vitaliev pointed out, “For years, Iranian internet users have been playing a cat-and-mouse game with the government. But when the internet is completely shut down, the game changes. Existing tools no longer work, and new solutions are needed to cope with these circumstances.”
He stressed the importance of awareness in such situations, saying, “Users need to know what works for them in these scenarios. They need to understand what each tool is capable of and what limitations it imposes.”
As a Russian national himself, Vitaliev understands the challenges of government-imposed internet restrictions, given Russia’s own policies under President Vladimir Putin. He urged Iranian users to prepare for future shutdowns by familiarizing themselves with these tools before another crisis strikes.
