In a recent escalation of control, the Iranian regime has intensified its efforts to restrict internet access and filter social media platforms. However, these measures seem to be backfiring, as citizens increasingly turn to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to circumvent the limitations.
Disruptions and Frustration:
Alireza Bozorgmehri, an Iranian IT expert, highlights the growing frustration with internet disruptions. He criticizes the government’s tactics in an interview with the state-run website Entekhab, stating, “The disturbances have become bizarre in recent days. They try everything to tighten restrictions, but it only annoys society.” Bozorgmehri further emphasizes that these restrictions are ineffective as “young and old are using VPNs” to access the global internet.
This sentiment is echoed in a report by the Internet and Infrastructure Commission of the Tehran Electronic Commerce Association. Their findings reveal that Iran ranks third globally, behind China and Myanmar, for countries with the most internet accessibility issues. This ranking reflects the negative impact of government interference on internet quality.
Failed Promises and Infrastructure Concerns:
Bozorgmehri further criticizes the regime’s claims about developing optical fiber infrastructure and increasing access to the global internet. He argues that while infrastructure projects exist, “we lose nearly 8% of the country’s internet traffic every 4 months.” He questions the effectiveness of these projects if internet quality continues to decline despite increased infrastructure investment.
Bozorgmehri emphasizes that the core issue lies not in infrastructure but in “access to global quality internet.” He stresses that tampering with internet protocols is a violation of international regulations and ultimately hinders the development of a digital economy.
A Call for Change:
Both Bozorgmehri and Hamed Beidi, another internet expert, advocate for unrestricted internet access. Bozorgmehri highlights the failure of the “limitation project,” stating that “the disadvantages have greatly outweighed the benefits.” Beidi, writing on the X social media platform, emphasizes the importance of challenging the normalization of internet disruptions. He urges citizens to “talk about the right to the internet” and resist the “cruelty of interference and filtering.”
Criticism from Within:
Even members of the regime’s Economic Commission are voicing discontent. Mohammad Bagheri Bonabi criticizes the slow internet speed compared to neighboring countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. He highlights the widespread use of VPNs, stating, “practically 90% of people are using VPNs.” Bonabi holds the Minister of Communications accountable, announcing parliamentary inquiries regarding plans to improve internet speed.
The Government’s Response and a Conflicting Narrative:
Alireza Bozorgmehri questions the government’s sincerity regarding internet restrictions. He finds it “a joke” that Minister Zarepour claims limited control over these measures. Bozorgmehri points to the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, led by President Raisi, as evidence of a coordinated approach towards internet control.
He argues that the government lacks a proper understanding of the digital economy, stating, “The digital economy does not happen on an island, but in connection with the world.” Filtering popular platforms hinders engagement with the global marketplace, as evidenced by Bozorgmehri’s example of Iranian handicrafts being inaccessible to international audiences.
However, Hashem Hosseini Bushehri, a prominent cleric, supports the government’s restrictions. He applauds the progress made towards the National Information Network (NIN), a closed internet system advocated for by the regime. Bushehri justifies these measures by citing the “enemies who do not hesitate to strike wherever they can.”
A Divided Path:
The current situation in Iran reflects a tug-of-war between the government’s desire for control and the population’s growing demand for unrestricted internet access. The reliance on VPNs and criticism from within the regime suggest that the current approach is failing. Whether the government will reconsider its strategy or double down on restrictions remains to be seen.
