As tensions between Iran and Israel escalate, Iran has taken a bold and significant step by executing a near-total internet blackout. According to NBC News, this strategic move on June 17 highlights Iran’s increased cybersecurity measures amid the deepening conflict with Israel.
The Strategic Blackout Explained
Iran’s drastic decision to limit internet connectivity was reported as a government directive rather than a consequence of Israeli strikes on infrastructure. Kentinc and Netblocks, companies that monitor global internet connectivity, were quoted in the NBC News report detailing how Iran’s internet connectivity levels abruptly dropped around 5:30 p.m. local time. This blackout restricts the ability of Iranians to communicate and share information beyond their borders.
Impact on VPNs and Mobile Networks
The internet slowdowns significantly affected services such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), crucial for accessing foreign websites. The internet services company Cloudflare released data indicating that two of Iran’s major mobile network providers were effectively cut off. This move echoes Iran’s history of restricting internet access during periods of civil unrest, drawing parallels with the 2019 six-day full blackout amid nationwide protests.
Responses and Realities
Fatemeh Mohajerani, a spokesperson for Iran’s government, stated that the internet restrictions were a reaction to alleged Israeli cyberattacks. The blackout also affected digital services widely used by the Iranian populace. Communication apps like WhatsApp and Instagram, along with app stores such as Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store, have been blocked according to Amir Rashidi, director of digital rights at Miaan Group, reinforcing the government’s stringent control over digital freedoms.
Alternative Connectivity and the Path Forward
While Iran’s National Information Network remains largely operational, cut off from the global internet, there is a growing call for alternative connectivity solutions such as Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service. This demand echoes global trends wherein satellite technology offers vital connectivity solutions in regions grappling with government-imposed internet restrictions.
As stated in Times of India, this significant development showcases how technology and digital policy continue to play pivotal roles in modern geopolitical strategies.