In November 2019, Iran experienced a nationwide internet blackout. The shutdown lasted for several days, causing widespread disruptions to communication and daily life.
The blackout began on November 16, 2019, after protests broke out across the country in response to a sudden hike in fuel prices.
Iran's government was accused of intentionally blocking the internet to prevent protesters from organizing and sharing information.
The blackout affected over 80 million people, with many reporting that they were unable to access basic services like mobile banking and emergency services.
Suggestion: Digital Services Act
Causes and Extent
The 2019 internet blackout in Iran was a massive operation that left tens of millions of people without internet access.
It was the most wide-scale internet shutdown ever in Iran, described as "unusual in its scale" by Doug Madory, the director of Internet analysis at Oracle.
Iranian authorities used a unique approach to cut off the internet, effectively isolating the whole nation.
Iranians usually rely on VPNs to access social media, but during the shutdown, none of them worked, leaving people to find alternative ways to access the internet.
On a similar theme: Internet Access
Implementation
It took 24 hours for MICT to cut off people's access to the Internet. The ministry had to order a range of ISPs and mobile data providers to stop providing users with international network and connect to NIN.
Some providers withdrew their routes from the Internet, while others continued to announce routes but block traffic. Local services, however, continued to operate through National Information Network.
Widespread Scale Leaves Few Options
The widespread scale of blackouts in Iran leaves few options to circumvent. Iranian officials have a sophisticated playbook for shutting down the internet, starting with mobile data and expanding to full shutdowns.
Iranians usually use VPNs to access social media, but none of them worked during the shutdown. This is because the Iranian authorities have the ability to cut off the internet of tens of millions of people and use another "local" type of internet instead.
The methods of internet restriction and disruption are so varied that even more advanced tools to get around the blackouts are becoming more difficult to use. As a result, people are now calling on the tech industry to do more to help.
Check this out: Psychological Effects of Internet Use
A new study by human rights organization Article 19 has revealed how Iranian authorities were able to cut off the internet of tens of millions of Iranian people in November 2019. This study outlines the structure of Iran's Internet and provides a picture of control that is unparalleled anywhere in the world.
The disruption was part of a larger strategy to restrict the spread of protest-related information and prevent the coordination of demonstrations. Iranian officials are currently following a familiar playbook, starting with mobile data and expanding to full shutdowns.
Amir Rashidi, the director of digital rights and security at the human rights organization Miaan Group, operates a resource center to help those in Iran deal with internet shutdowns. He and his team help provide Iranians inside the country with tech tools, risk analysis guidance, and trainings so that they can stay connected with each other even when the internet is severed by the government.
Even as it stands now, the options to get around the internet service blackouts are limited. Some people are using Toosheh to get news and other Internet-related content, but this is not a reliable option.
You might like: Telegram in Iran
Timeline and Statistics
The 2019 Internet blackout in Iran was a significant event that had far-reaching consequences.
Users first reported minor outages in Mashhad on 15 November, marking the beginning of the disruptions.
The disruptions increased in extent and severity over the next few days, with Iran's largest mobile network operators, including MCI, Rightel and Irancell, falling offline on the evening of 16 November.
By 17 November, the Internet blocking had reached a critical point, with a partial return of the Internet in eight Provinces, including Ardebil, Golestan, Markazi, Mazandaran, Qazvin, Qom, Semnan and West Azarbaijan, at around 7pm.
However, by 20 November, national connectivity had dropped to just 5% of ordinary levels, highlighting the severity of the shutdown.
The only area that was not affected by the nationwide shut-down was the historical city of Bam in the Kerman province.
Internet access began to be restored in Iran on 23 November, with connectivity levels rising to 64% according to NetBlocks.
Expand your knowledge: Telecommunication Company of Iran
Impact
The 2019 internet blackout in Iran had a significant impact on the country and its people. The Iranian regime murdered around 1500 people protesting the rises in gas prices, making the month of November 2019 to be known as bloody November or bloody Aban.
Iranians couldn't contact their friends and families abroad through the Internet. This was a devastating blow to many people who rely on the internet to stay connected with loved ones.
Movie ticket sales dropped 60%, which is a staggering number that shows just how much the internet blackout affected the economy. Estimates of total damage to the economy range from $1 billion to $1.5 billion.
The Washington Post reported that the blackout has had a severe impact on start-ups and small businesses. These businesses rely heavily on the internet to operate and grow, so it's no surprise that they were hit hard by the blackout.
Here are some key statistics that illustrate the impact of the internet blackout:
- 1500 people were murdered during the protests
- Movie ticket sales dropped 60%
- Total damage to the economy: $1 billion to $1.5 billion
Featured Images: pexels.com
