On January 8, as thousands of Iranians took to the streets in nationwide protests, the government took a drastic step by cutting off the internet. This digital blackout provided cover for a severe and deadly crackdown against anti-government protesters. Reports that have emerged from morgues, graveyards, and doctors who treated the injured suggest that thousands of people may have been killed.
The Iranian government has previously shut down the global internet, but never for such an extended period. The impact has been significant; without internet access, trading has plummeted. Many entrepreneurs who rely on platforms like Instagram for business have been unable to post, and lorry drivers have faced challenges crossing borders due to inaccessible digital documents. By some estimates, the internet shutdown costs Iran more than $37 million a day.
The Economic and Social Impact of the Blackout
The prolonged internet shutdown has not only stifled economic activity but also isolated Iran from the global digital community. According to reports from web traffic monitor Netblocks, after three weeks, the internet began to slowly come back online, albeit primarily for government-approved users. Yet, during most of the blackout, banks and some local government websites and apps remained functional. This is because Iran is developing its own national internet, which is isolated from the rest of the world.
This development follows a pattern of increasing digital authoritarianism in Iran. The national internet, or “intranet,” allows the government to maintain control over the flow of information and restrict access to global content. This system has been in the works for years, aiming to create a controlled digital environment that limits the influence of foreign media and communication platforms.
Understanding Iran’s Digital Control System
In an episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, Amin Naeni, a PhD candidate researching digital authoritarianism at Deakin University in Australia, provided insights into how Iran has built one of the world’s most sophisticated systems of digital control. According to Naeni, the Iranian regime’s approach is part of a broader strategy to maintain power by controlling information and suppressing dissent.
“The Iranian government has invested heavily in developing its own digital infrastructure,” Naeni explained. “This allows them to monitor and censor internet traffic more effectively, while also providing a platform for state-approved content.”
“The Iranian government has invested heavily in developing its own digital infrastructure.” – Amin Naeni
Historical Context and Global Comparisons
The move to create a national internet is not unique to Iran. Other countries, such as China and Russia, have also developed similar systems to exert control over the internet within their borders. China’s “Great Firewall” and Russia’s “Sovereign Internet” are examples of how governments can limit access to global information while promoting domestic narratives.
Historically, Iran has shown a pattern of restricting internet access during times of political unrest. The 2009 Green Movement protests saw similar measures, though the technology and infrastructure were not as advanced as they are today. The current situation reflects a significant evolution in Iran’s ability to control digital information.
Implications and Future Prospects
The implications of Iran’s internet shutdown and digital control system are profound. By controlling the internet, the government can suppress dissent and limit the spread of information that challenges its authority. This not only affects the Iranian population but also has broader implications for global internet freedom and the flow of information.
Looking forward, the international community faces a challenge in addressing such digital authoritarianism. Efforts to promote internet freedom and support digital rights in countries like Iran are crucial. Meanwhile, the resilience of the Iranian people in finding ways to communicate and share information despite these restrictions remains a testament to their determination.
As Iran continues to develop its national internet, the world will be watching closely. The next steps will likely involve further international dialogue and potential policy responses to address the growing trend of digital control by authoritarian regimes.
