Iran's Information War: The Battle for Control of the Internet
In a significant escalation of digital repression, the Iranian regime has recently implemented the longest internet shutdown in its history. For over two weeks, very little information flowed in or out of the country as security forces intensified their crackdown on protesters. This tactic, while not new, highlights the regime's sophisticated and persistent efforts to control the narrative and suppress dissent through technological means.
The Mechanics of Digital Suppression
Shutting off the internet is a strategy the Iranian authorities have deployed multiple times during periods of unrest. But the question remains: why and how does the regime execute these widespread blackouts? The answer lies in a combination of centralized control over telecommunications infrastructure and the strategic use of legal and technical measures to isolate the population from global digital networks.
According to experts, these shutdowns serve a dual purpose. Firstly, they prevent protesters from organising and sharing real-time information about demonstrations and security force actions. Secondly, they create an information vacuum that the regime can fill with its own narratives, often disseminated through state-controlled media channels.
AI and Misinformation in Modern Protests
The current wave of protests in Iran has seen the regime employing advanced technological tools beyond simple internet blackouts. Artificial intelligence and coordinated misinformation campaigns have become key components of the state's response to civil unrest. These tactics are designed to confuse, divide, and demoralise opposition movements while bolstering government propaganda.
Mahsa Alimardani, associate director of technology threats and opportunities at WITNESS, specialises in analysing how disinformation and AI are utilised in protests worldwide. As an Iranian expert, she provides unique insights into the full scale of misinformation tactics deployed by the regime. Her research reveals sophisticated networks of bots, deepfake technology, and algorithmically amplified false narratives that target both domestic audiences and international observers.
Democratising Satellite Internet Access
In response to these repressive measures, activists and technologists are developing counter-strategies. One significant initiative involves efforts to democratise satellite internet access, providing alternative connectivity that bypasses government-controlled infrastructure. These projects aim to create resilient communication channels that can withstand state-imposed blackouts.
Alimardani's work includes ambitions to expand satellite internet availability, recognising its potential to empower citizens with unfiltered access to information. Such technological solutions represent a growing front in the ongoing battle between authoritarian control and digital freedom, with implications extending far beyond Iran's borders.
The Global Context of Digital Authoritarianism
Iran's approach to internet control forms part of a broader pattern of digital authoritarianism observed in various regimes worldwide. The use of shutdowns, coupled with AI-driven disinformation, sets concerning precedents for how technology can be weaponised against civilian populations. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective countermeasures and supporting digital rights globally.
As the podcast The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim explores, these issues demand ongoing scrutiny and international attention. The battle for control of the internet in Iran continues to evolve, with significant implications for human rights, free expression, and the future of digital governance in authoritarian contexts.
