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. DataContinue reading “A Review of Digital Freedom Violations on the Second Anniversary of the Mahsa Amini Movement: Digital Iran Bound by Policy and Restrictions”
Tag Archives: Internet shutdown
The Dubious Legality of Internet Shutdowns in Iran
In a Norooz special edition of ‘Fan-Zi’ by Shargh newspaper, Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi, ex-Minister of Communications, said he was opposed to the November 2019 internet shutdown. But he said that despite his opposition, it was executed legally following a National Security Council resolution. Despite this, Iranian laws do not grant any authority the power toContinue reading “The Dubious Legality of Internet Shutdowns in Iran”
Next-Generation Filtering; Phishing with Governable Templates Analytical
Filterwatch’s research indicates that the “next-generation proxy,” a topic of discussion among Iranian authorities, is a multifaceted initiative. It is not only a part of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace’s resolutions aimed at boosting domestic internet traffic and enhancing censorship measures but also builds upon a foundation laid by previous technical projects. This approach essentiallyContinue reading “Next-Generation Filtering; Phishing with Governable Templates Analytical “
Examining the Impact of Filtering on Small and Medium Enterprises:
Abstract This research paper aims to investigate the consequences of Instagram’s filtration on small and medium-sized businesses in Iran. It does so by conducting interviews with nine such businesses affected by the Islamic Republic’s decision to restrict access to Instagram starting September 21, 2022. This action introduced several challenges that have jeopardized the economic sustainabilityContinue reading “Examining the Impact of Filtering on Small and Medium Enterprises: “
Targeted VPN Protocol Disruption Following New Legislation:
Between February 8, 2024, and the end of the month, there have been widespread and deliberate disruptions on protocols used in censorship circumvention tools and VPNs. Our research, which includes insights from developers of widely-used VPNs in Iran and data from the network monitoring community, indicates extensive and targeted disruptions on protocols such as Shadowsocks,Continue reading “Targeted VPN Protocol Disruption Following New Legislation: “
Iran’s Future: Filtered, Traceable, and Anti-Sanctions
In the past month, Iranian authorities announced statutes and guidelines that will have a significant impact on the future of the internet in Iran. They include measures to drive users to platforms that emulate foreign products, track user activity on internet and intranet, establish tiered internet access, and generate income from the sale of VPNs.Continue reading “Iran’s Future: Filtered, Traceable, and Anti-Sanctions”
The hidden war on internet access in Iran
On February 13, 2024, a hacker group called “Rebellion Until Overthrow” leaked parliamentary documents and emails that revealed the Islamic Republic’s internet censorship and surveillance practices. The documents showed how the government used urban cameras to surveil and suppress protesters, and how it has a vision to limit internet access to the global internet forContinue reading “The hidden war on internet access in Iran”
The use of VPNs is prohibited, but not criminalized
On February 19, 2024, the Supreme Council of Cyberspace published the resolution “Exploring Solutions to Increase the Share of Domestic Traffic and Counteract Anti-Censorship Tools.”(alternative link) One of the most controversial parts of this resolution was clause 6, which prohibited the use of VPNs. However, given the legal drafting rules and the principle of legalityContinue reading “The use of VPNs is prohibited, but not criminalized”
Blocking Access to the Global Internet Through Economic Pressure
On January 14, 2023, regulators issued a decree that authorized operators to raise fixed internet prices by 7 to 34 percent. This was preceded earlier in the month by a price hike in mobile internet packages, which also removed long-term, cost-effective volume packages. The price increase only applied to international traffic for both fixed andContinue reading “Blocking Access to the Global Internet Through Economic Pressure”
Sistan and Baluchestan; An Internet Outage Laboratory
From December 31, 2023, to January 30, 2024, Iran experienced two significant internet access disruptions due to issues with internet gateways. These incidents mirrored similar outages that occurred twice in November 2023. Additionally, on January 16, 2024, both fixed and mobile internet services were cut off in Sistan and Baluchestan, with a similar pattern ofContinue reading “Sistan and Baluchestan; An Internet Outage Laboratory”