The internet, once hailed as a beacon of free expression and global connectivity, has increasingly become a battleground for the protection of human rights and digital liberties. In a world where information flows freely across borders, governments are grappling with the challenges posed by this digital revolution. Iran, in particular, has recently found itself in the spotlight for experiencing one of the most significant declines in internet freedom.
The Struggle for Internet Freedom
From its inception, the internet was envisioned as a tool that would democratize access to information and empower individuals worldwide. However, as governments recognized the Internet’s potential to influence and mobilize their populations, the concept of Internet freedom became increasingly complex. Countries began implementing measures to monitor and control the flow of information online, giving rise to debates surrounding censorship, surveillance, and the protection of digital rights.
Iran’s Alarming Decline in Internet Freedom
According to a recent report by the non-governmental organization Freedom House, in 2023, Iran recorded the most significant drop in internet freedom globally, with a staggering loss of five points on a 100-point scale. This abrupt decline signifies a concerning deterioration of digital liberties within the country.
This startling regression in internet freedom in Iran can be traced back to a series of events, including the tragic death of Mahsa (Zina) Amini while in the custody of the regime’s Guidance Patrol. In the wake of this incident, the Iranian regime resorted to drastic measures, including internet shutdowns and the blocking of popular platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram, as well as an intensification of surveillance efforts. These actions were aimed at suppressing anti-government protests, but had a severe impact on the nation’s digital freedom.
The Cost of Digital Repression
One of the most distressing aspects of Iran’s decline in internet freedom is the imposition of harsh penalties for online activities. Shockingly, Iran shares this grim distinction with Myanmar, where authorities have contemplated the death penalty for citizens based on their online comments. Freedom House highlights the execution of two Iranians, Yusef Mehrdad and Sadrollah Fazli Zare, both active social media users, who were charged with ‘insulting Islamic sanctities’ and ‘Sab al-Nabi’ (insulting the Prophet of Islam) in May 2023.
The situation in Iran is further exacerbated when compared to other countries. Following Iran, the Philippines recorded a decrease of four points in internet freedom, while Belarus, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua each registered a three-point drop.
AI’s Growing Influence on Censorship
The ‘Freedom House’ report also underscores the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in curtailing internet freedom. AI, which has the potential to spread misinformation online, is being employed by authoritarian regimes worldwide to refine their online censorship methods. This emerging trend calls for policymakers in democratic countries to create a regulatory framework for the positive use of AI, one that adheres to human rights standards, transparency, and accountability and prevents those regimes from using such tools to restrict people’s freedom of speech.
The Iranian Experience in a Global Context
‘Freedom on the Internet’ is an annual study that evaluates human rights in the digital sphere and assesses the state of internet freedom in 70 countries, representing 88 percent of the world’s population. This marks the 13th report in the series, with more than 85 analysts and consultants participating in its preparation.
The assessment of Internet freedom comprises 21 distinct indicators related to access barriers, restrictions on content, and violations of user rights.
In an era where the internet’s influence continues to grow, and the fight for digital liberties intensifies, the case of Iran serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and consequences that come with navigating the complex terrain of internet freedom in the modern world.
