{"id":241,"date":"2025-02-19T15:50:04","date_gmt":"2025-02-19T12:20:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/filter.watch\/irandarkhamooshi\/?page_id=241"},"modified":"2025-02-19T17:46:27","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T14:16:27","slug":"internet-shutdown-protocol-en","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/filter.watch\/irandarkhamooshi\/internet-shutdown-protocol-en\/","title":{"rendered":"Internet Shutdown Protocol"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Introduction<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Internet shutdowns are increasingly being used as a tool of repression, especially during political unrest, such as in Iran. These shutdowns, which range from partial restrictions like mobile data blocks to complete internet blackouts, pose significant challenges to various communities, including ethnic minorities, journalists, and religious groups. Each group faces distinct risks during shutdowns, from surveillance to limited access to secure communication tools.<\/span><\/p>

This protocol addresses these challenges by providing tailored strategies to maintain secure communications before, during, and after shutdowns. It highlights the importance of secure communication tools, digital security training, and alternative networks like peer-to-peer (P2P) systems and satellite-based technologies. By adopting these strategies, vulnerable groups can mitigate the impacts of shutdowns and protect their communications from state surveillance.<\/span><\/p>

Moving forward, the focus must be on enhancing digital security literacy, disseminating secure tools, and building resilient communication networks to ensure continued connectivity even in the most restrictive environments.<\/span><\/p>

Within this document, readers will find practical steps and recommendations for secure communication during shutdowns, from setting up encryption tools like GPG to using mesh networks and satellite communication for internet access. It offers guidance on preemptive measures, such as backup plans, community training, pre-shutdown preparation, and post-shutdown recovery, empowering individuals and organizations to stay connected and resilient in the face of internet disruptions.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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What Is An Internet Shutdown\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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An internet shutdown is an intentional disruption of internet or electronic communications by government or private actors to control the flow of information. Shutdowns are often used to limit freedom of expression, information, and assembly, particularly during political unrest, as seen in Iran.<\/span><\/p>

Shutdowns can be total, cutting off all access, or partial, targeting specific networks or services like mobile data or social media. Tactics such as bandwidth throttling, where internet speeds are deliberately slowed, are also common. Shutdowns may target entire countries or specific regions, with varying durations from hours to months.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

While difficult to overcome, there are strategies to assess risks and mitigate their impact. Access Now provides resources on these issues, available through their <\/span>#KeepItOn campaign<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

For those seeking resources on how to prepare for and deal with internet shutdowns, the website <\/span>Iran After Dark<\/span><\/a> serves as a valuable resource center. It provides education on various tools that can be useful during disruptions or shutdowns, along with training on how to prepare in advance. Information on this site is available in multiple languages, including Persian, Turkish, Arabic, and Balochi.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Overview<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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This analysis compares the challenges and needs of three key communities in Iran\u2014ethnic minorities (Balochistan, Kurdish and Turkish provinces), investigative journalists, and religious minorities (the Baha\u2019i community)\u2014during internet shutdowns. Each group faces distinct challenges related to their access to secure communication tools, their level of training in digital security, and the specific risks they encounter. However, there are commonalities across these groups, as well as significant differences in the level of need and risk.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Comparison of Challenges\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Ethnic Minorities<\/b>: These communities face severe isolation during internet shutdowns, particularly the Baloch, who have less access to alternative communication methods compared to the Kurdish regions. Both groups rely heavily on VPNs and SIM card changes to bypass government censorship, but during complete shutdowns, their communication options are severely limited. The lack of familiarity with secure tools, or satellite systems (e.g., Toosheh or Starlink) and peer-to-peer networks further exacerbates their vulnerability.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Investigative Journalists<\/b>: This group is highly vulnerable due to their reliance on insecure communication methods like Skype and international SIM cards, combined with a general disregard for digital security protocols. The risks are particularly high for journalists, as their work often puts them in direct conflict with state authorities, making them prime targets for surveillance, device confiscation, and arrest.<\/span><\/span><\/p>

Religious Minorities<\/b>: This community faces unique challenges as a religious minority that is often persecuted. While they have some awareness of Toosheh, their reliance on disposable phones and VPNs leaves them exposed during shutdowns. The community has some access to organized training, but it is inconsistent and lacks the depth needed to fully protect against digital threats.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Assessment of Needs and Risks\n<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\u00a0<\/p>