In a highly criticized and contested presidential election, Masoud Pezeshkian has been declared the winner, sparking significant concerns over internet censorship in Iran. This election, widely regarded as a sham, underscores the regime’s commitment to maintaining strict control over the flow of information and digital freedoms.
During the televised campaign debates, Pezeshkian and other candidates openly supported the continuation and enhancement of internet restrictions. Pezeshkian himself justified internet shutdowns by claiming, “While we agree with internet restrictions like the rest of the world, we need to ensure that people can earn a living in this space.
Those who profit from selling VPNs should be under government control; we can tax them and shut them down whenever necessary. Why should we filter the internet and ruin people’s lives?”
Despite the watered-down tone, Pezeshkian’s core arguments aligns with the regime’s long-standing practice of using internet control as a tool for maintaining power and suppressing dissent.
Saeed Jalili, another candidate, echoed similar sentiments during his campaign. He argued that the internet and virtual space are intertwined with real life, providing significant opportunities. However, Jalili emphasized the need for regulation, stating, “The government must have a clear program for the virtual space, ensuring that responsibility in this arena is not arbitrary but based on law.” Jalili’s comments reflect a broader consensus among regime loyalists that internet freedom poses a threat to national security and must be tightly regulated.
The reality of internet censorship in Iran is severe and pervasive. Reports from various sources highlight the regime’s extensive efforts to control and limit digital access. According to a report by the Tehran Electronic Commerce Association, Iran’s internet quality remains among the lowest globally, with domestic restrictive policies contributing significantly to this status. The report describes the internet in Iran as “disrupted, limited, and slow,” attributing these issues primarily to widespread filtering.
A staggering 83.6% of Iranian users rely on VPNs to bypass censorship, with the average user spending four hours a day using such services. This widespread use of VPNs underscores the ineffectiveness of the regime’s filtering efforts, which have only increased demand for circumvention tools. The report also highlights that following the blocking of Instagram and WhatsApp, the use of VPNs tripled by March 2023, with 64% of users stating they did not use VPNs before the 2021 protests.
Moreover, the Tehran Electronic Commerce Association’s report emphasizes the detrimental impact of filtering on the economy and society. Internet censorship has not only hindered the user experience but also reduced the productivity and efficiency of businesses. The necessity for businesses to use VPNs to access external resources and services has led to additional costs and technical issues, further hampering economic growth and technological innovation.
A report from Iran Freedom sheds light on the regime’s tactics, noting that Iran has some of the most severe internet censorship practices globally. The Deutsche Welle reported that Iran’s internet ranks among the lowest in terms of accessibility and speed, worse than even China in some aspects. The regime’s strategy of blocking both domestic and international websites has made critical government and banking services inaccessible to international users, isolating Iran further from the global digital economy.
Historically, Iran’s leadership has consistently used internet shutdowns as a tool to suppress protests and control the narrative. During the widespread protests in November 2019 and the 2022 uprising, the regime significantly intensified its filtering efforts. The shutdowns during these protests were part of a broader strategy to silence dissent and prevent the spread of information.
Despite the selection of a new president, the major decisions regarding internet censorship remain in the hands of the Supreme Leader’s Office. No president, regardless of their stance during the campaign, has ever challenged the Supreme Leader’s directives to disrupt or shut down the internet during times of unrest. The centralized control ensures that the regime’s approach to internet freedom remains unchanged, prioritizing suppression over open access to information.
In conclusion, the regime’s unwavering commitment to internet censorship is evident in the recent presidential election and the statements made by both. The severe restrictions and filtering practices have significant negative impacts on Iran’s economy and society.
Despite campaign rhetoric suggesting possible reforms, the regime has no intention or capacity to change course on internet restrictions. History has shown that no president has ever refused to disrupt and shut down the internet during protests. If the regime opens up or even slightly improves internet access, the resulting free flow of information will only lead to increasing dissent and potentially unravel the regime’s rule. Consequently, the regime is likely to double down on its current censorship policies, regardless of any promises made during the election campaign.
Source » irannewsupdate