In 1993, Iran became the second country in the Middle East to connect to the Internet and within a few short years, demand for Internet access skyrocketed. This largely caught the government off guard as users saw the medium as an easy way to get around the country’s strict press laws. However, an Internet clampdown eventually started in 2005. Nevertheless, Iran is not on the OpenNet Initiative’s watchlist but it is on the RSF’s (Reporters sans frontiers or Reporters Without Borders) internet enemy list.
Internet Access and Usage in Iran
With 20 million Internet users, Iran has the second highest Internet penetration rate in the Middle East (Israel is currently #1). However, it should be noted that in October 2006 all ISPs were ordered to limit their download speeds to 128kbit/s for all residential clients and internet cafes. And while no reason was given for the decree, many believe the move was intended to reduce the amount of western media, such as music and films, from entering the country.
What Technology Does Iran Use to Restrict Internet Access?
To censor Internet access, Iran uses SmartFilter content-control software that was developed by San Jose based Secure Computing (however, the company alleges that Iran is illegally using its software) and has also developed its own filtering hardware and software. Moreover, Iran’s Internet architecture makes it easy to conduct widespread surveillance as all ISP traffic is routed through the state-controlled telecommunications infrastructure of the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI).
In addition, Iran is also believed to be using an electronic surveillance system, allegedly provided by Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN), to monitor the Internet communications of political dissidents. Moreover and according to recently passed legislation, Iranian ISPs are required to store all client data that is sent or received and they may not delete the data less than 3 months after the expiry of a client’s contract.
What Websites are Blocked in Iran by Internet Censorship?
Iranian ISPs are responsible for Internet censorship in Iran and it is largely their job to filter website contents that are critical of the government as well as pornographic websites, political blogs and online magazines.
Starting in 2006, Iran began to periodically block access to video and photo-upload sites such as YouTube and Flickr but access was restored in February 2009. However and after the 2009 election protests, YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, Facebook and many other websites were once again blocked.
Moreover and following the 2009 election protests, Iran has increased the monitoring of online social networks – especially Facebook. In fact, Iranians living abroad who have returned home have been questioned or detained due to the content on their Facebook pages while Iranian bloggers have been imprisoned for their Internet activities.
How to Bypass Internet Censorship in Iran
The best way to bypass Iran’s Internet filtering is by using a VPN service such as IAPS Security or ibVPN. By using a VPN server outside of Iran, you will be able to access any website around the world.
Internet Censorship in Iran: Further Reading
To learn more about Internet censorship in Iran, check out the RSF’s, “Report on Iran”, and the OpenNet Initiative’s report, “Iran and Internet Filtering.” In addition, the Washington Times has run a story about how Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN), a joint venture between the Nokia and Siemens, allegedly sold Iran an electronic surveillance system to enable further Internet censorship in the country.
