Key Takeaways
- Iran’s internet shutdown is a "new high-water mark" in terms of its sophistication and severity, with 90% of internet traffic to the country evaporating.
- The shutdown is far harsher than the 2019 digital blackout, with even Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite system being jammed in some areas.
- The Iranian government has developed more precise tools for censoring the internet, allowing them to whitelist some sites and institutions while keeping the rest of the country offline.
- The shutdown may last for an extended period, with experts suggesting that the government is trying to set up a system that allows them to operate in a "degraded state" for a long time.
Introduction to the Internet Shutdown
Iran’s internet shutdown, which has been in place for 36 hours, represents a significant escalation in the government’s efforts to quell anti-government protests. The shutdown is unprecedented in its severity, with 90% of internet traffic to the country evaporating as the blackout kicked in. International calls to the country appeared blocked, and domestic mobile phones had no service, according to Amir Rashidi, an Iranian digital rights expert. This is not the first time a country has blocked the internet for political reasons, but the level of shutdown in Iran is unparalleled.
Comparison to Previous Internet Blockages
The shutdown in Iran is far harsher than the 2019 digital blackout, which was described at the time as the most "severe disconnection" seen anywhere. Even Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite system, which was a lifeline for Iranians during the 2022 protests, was being jammed, although the extent varied from one neighborhood to another. The shutdown is also more fine-tuned, with the government appearing to whitelist some sites and institutions while keeping the rest of the country offline. This suggests that the Iranian government has developed more precise tools for censoring the internet, allowing them to target specific areas and individuals while keeping essential services online.
Government Control and Propaganda
The Iranian government’s ability to continue posting on social media platforms, including X, while the rest of the country is offline, highlights the sophistication of the shutdown. The government is able to spread its propaganda and communicate with its supporters while keeping the opposition and the general public in the dark. According to Doug Madory, an expert in internet infrastructure, the government has likely whitelisted some sites, allowing some officials and institutions to continue to access the internet. This suggests that the government is trying to set up a system that allows them to operate in a "degraded state" for an extended period.
Long-Term Implications
The shutdown may last for an extended period, with experts suggesting that the government is trying to set up a system that allows them to operate in a "degraded state" for a long time. The Iranian government has been working to upgrade its ability to censor the internet for some years, trying to build an internal service similar to China’s that connects domestic users while cutting them off from the outside world. The development of such a system would allow the government to control the flow of information and suppress opposition with greater ease. The long-term implications of such a system are significant, with potential consequences for freedom of speech, access to information, and the ability of citizens to organize and protest.
Global Context and Comparison
Iran is not alone in trying to refine government control over the internet. India is building a government-managed messaging app to rival WhatsApp, and Russia is pushing a state-backed "super app" similar to China’s WeChat. The trend towards greater government control over the internet is a concerning one, with potential consequences for democracy, freedom of speech, and human rights. The Iranian government’s shutdown is a significant escalation in this trend, and its long-term implications will be closely watched by experts and observers around the world.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The internet shutdown in Iran is a significant development, with far-reaching implications for the country and the world. The shutdown is a "new high-water mark" in terms of its sophistication and severity, with the government demonstrating a remarkable ability to control the flow of information and suppress opposition. The long-term implications of the shutdown are significant, with potential consequences for freedom of speech, access to information, and the ability of citizens to organize and protest. As the situation continues to evolve, it will be important to monitor the government’s actions and the impact of the shutdown on the Iranian people.
