Iran’s Internet Blackout: A Glimpse into a Censored Future
The recent internet shutdown in Iran has left the country in a state of digital darkness, with only a select few able to access the outside world through alternative means. The blackout, which began on a Thursday afternoon, is the most severe the country has experienced in years, and it comes amidst escalating anti-government protests. For the majority of Iranians, the internet is inaccessible, and the government has implemented a nationwide blackout, allowing only minimal traffic from businesses and individuals who have been whitelisted by the regime.
A Lifeline in the Dark: Starlink Terminals
However, for a small fraction of the population, there is a glimmer of hope. Starlink terminals, which connect to the internet via thousands of satellites in low-Earth orbit, have been smuggled into the country, providing a lifeline to the outside world. These terminals, part of Elon Musk’s SpaceX, have been used by a tiny fraction of the population, estimated to be around 50,000 to 100,000 users. Despite the risks, which include a potential 10-year prison sentence for possessing a Starlink terminal, these users are able to connect to the internet, albeit with great difficulty.
The Cat-and-Mouse Game: Authorities vs. Starlink Users
The Iranian authorities are actively hunting for Starlink terminals, using military-grade tools to jam the signals and flying drones over rooftops to search for the telltale satellite dishes. The government has also passed a law that criminalizes the use of Starlink, equating it to espionage for Israel and the American CIA. The tools used to jam the terminals are expensive and energy-intensive, capable of knocking out a certain radio frequency within a given area. However, they can only be used locally and cannot blanket the entire country.
The Future of the Internet in Iran: A National Internet
As the situation unfolds, there are concerns that Iran’s internet may never return to its former state. The government has been working on creating a national internet, a skeleton version of the web that is significantly more restricted than even China’s. This national internet would be managed by the government and virtually unconnected to the outside world. The IRIB news agency has published a list of approved internet sites, including domestic search engines, maps, and navigation services, as well as a domestic streaming service with only government-approved videos.
Implications and Concerns
The implications of a national internet in Iran are far-reaching. It would mean that the country would be isolated from the rest of the world, with limited access to information and a restricted online landscape. The move would also have significant consequences for the economy, as it would limit the country’s ability to participate in the global digital economy. Furthermore, the criminalization of Starlink use raises concerns about the government’s willingness to suppress dissent and limit freedom of expression.
Expert Insights: A Long-Term Strategy
Experts believe that the Iranian government is gearing up for the long run, with a strategy that could see the national internet become the norm. “They’re gearing up for the long run, for this to be the way things are for an extended period of time,” said Doug Madory, the director of internet analysis at Kentik. The use of military-grade tools to jam Starlink signals and the passage of laws criminalizing its use suggest that the government is committed to restricting access to the internet.
Conclusion: A New Era of Internet Censorship
The situation in Iran represents a new era of internet censorship, one in which governments are increasingly using technology to control access to information and restrict freedom of expression. As the world becomes increasingly digital, the importance of a free and open internet cannot be overstated. The story of Iran’s internet blackout serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and the importance of protecting our digital rights.
