In a bold and controversial move, Iran has taken a drastic step by cutting off its people from the global community, leaving the world in the dark about the ongoing protests. This action, a strategic maneuver employed during both demonstrations and conflicts, has effectively silenced the voices of Iran's 85 million citizens.
The Iranian government, facing sanctions over its nuclear program, had previously allowed its citizens access to mobile apps and websites through virtual private networks. However, on Thursday, they pulled the plug, severing internet and telephone connections, and leaving the diaspora community abroad desperate for news.
As the country enters a state of digital isolation, the government's warning that protesters will be considered "enemies of God" has heightened fears of a violent crackdown. Azam Jangravi, a cybersecurity expert based in Toronto, shares her anxiety: "My family and friends are at risk, and I can't focus on anything else."
But here's where it gets controversial: even Starlink, a potential lifeline for protesters, is facing interference. Iran has a history of internet shutdowns, with the 2019 gasoline price protests and the 2022 Mahsa Amini demonstrations being previous instances. Despite Starlink's role in the Amini protests, its receivers are now more widespread, though illegal.
Mehdi Yahyanejad, an internet freedom activist, estimates tens of thousands of Starlink receivers in Iran, many in the hands of those wanting to stay connected for their livelihoods. However, Amir Rashidi, an expert on Iran, has noticed a 30% loss in packets sent by Starlink devices since Thursday, indicating potential interference by the Iranian government.
The International Telecommunication Union has called on Iran to stop jamming signals, but Iran has advocated for the cessation of Starlink service to the country. This leaves those with Starlink receivers in a dangerous position, as Jangravi warns: "They can execute a person and claim they were working for Israel or the US."
The world is left with limited information about the protests, and the situation is critical. Yahyanejad emphasizes the urgency: "Unless help arrives soon, these nonviolent protests may not survive the extreme violence."
What are your thoughts on this developing story? Do you think the international community should intervene, or is this an internal matter for Iran to resolve?
