“Mahtab, darling, tonight marks nine nights since I last spoke to you. My body, my heart, my soul, my entire being is exhausted. I miss you so much. We are all lost. It feels like we are trapped between heaven and earth. We have a huge lump in our throats. It’s as if someone is grabbing us by the throat, preventing us from screaming. No one knows when we will be able to scream again.”
This message arrived from Iran. Days ago, the sender typed it into her smartphone. And now, in a fleeting moment of network connection, it reached me.
The Digital Darkness and the Fight for Connection
For nearly three weeks, the Islamic Republic has been suppressing internet access. Telephone lines are also blocked from making international calls. This is a recurring tactic of oppression, a deliberate silencing. They cut off all communication channels, as reported by taz, to carry out violence and bloodshed without scrutiny.
Reports, including those from Iran International, indicate at least 12,000 people have been killed. Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, has stated the possibility of crimes against humanity must be investigated, as detailed by BBC Persian.
Starlink: A Beacon in the Blackout
While past internet shutdowns were total, the emergence of Starlink has changed the landscape. It’s become a crucial tool for amplifying the voices of Iranians and documenting the atrocities. Many citizens, at significant cost, acquired Starlink modems before the current events, allowing them to anonymously share harrowing images and videos with the outside world.
On the twelfth day of the nationwide internet shutdown, a brief window of connectivity opened. A surge of messages flooded Telegram, bypassing domestic networks through proxies and VPNs. The messages were raw, desperate, and heartbreaking.
Many sent names and photos of their loved ones, hoping to preserve their memory. Others pleaded: “We are dying here,” “Be our voice,” “You have no idea what we’ve seen.” A chilling refrain emerged: “Our eyes are on the sky,” a coded expression of hope for external intervention, specifically referencing potential action from the US.
The Spark of Protest and the Brutal Response
During this brief period of connection, Iranians shared accounts of the unfolding events with the taz. Amirhossein, an IT engineer in Tehran (using a pseudonym for safety), described the surge of hope following Reza Pahlavi’s call for protests on January 8th.
“After Reza Pahlavi’s call to protest on Thursday, we were filled with hope. When the time came, people flooded the streets, mostly dressed in black. I had never seen such a massive crowd in Tehran,” he shared in a voice message.
Initially, the sheer number of protesters overwhelmed security forces. But the respite was short-lived. “The security forces changed their strategy, positioning themselves to prevent the crowds from merging. They then attacked with live ammunition, shotguns, tear gas, and stun grenades, forcing people to disperse,” Amirhossein recounted.
“They Had No Scruples About Killing”
His voice trembled as he continued: “I saw bloodied bodies lying in the streets. Others, shot and unable to move, dragged themselves along the asphalt. While running, I saw armed men calmly approaching wounded people on the ground and delivering a final shot to the head.”
Despite the danger, some attempted to help the injured, risking their own lives. But the connection abruptly ended mid-sentence, a stark reminder of the regime’s control.
Further messages revealed the escalation of violence on Friday. “The demonstrations were as large as on Thursday, but the security forces were more aggressive. They deployed drones to identify gatherings and positioned snipers on rooftops. They killed many with a single shot to the neck, heart, or head. Elsewhere, they mounted machine guns and opened fire indiscriminately.”
“They had no scruples about killing. They came with the intention of killing everyone until the crowds disappeared.”
He described a scene reminiscent of war, with blood everywhere and a pervasive smell of death. The streets were littered with bodies, and the authorities made no effort to clean up the carnage, leaving it as a grim warning.
“All that remains for us is to hope for a military strike. On US President Trump and his allies. The world has become dark. We have seen the end of our road. And yet, even darker days await us.”
The Future of Digital Resistance and State Control
The situation in Iran highlights a growing global trend: the weaponization of internet access. Governments are increasingly employing internet shutdowns and surveillance technologies to suppress dissent and maintain control. However, the Iranian experience also demonstrates the resilience of citizens and the power of alternative technologies like Starlink.
The Rise of ‘Splinternet’ and Circumvention Tools
We are witnessing the fragmentation of the internet, often referred to as the “splinternet.” Countries are building their own walled gardens, attempting to control the flow of information within their borders. This trend is fueled by concerns about national security, censorship, and data sovereignty. However, it also drives innovation in circumvention tools – VPNs, proxies, and satellite internet – that allow citizens to bypass censorship and access the open internet.
Did you know? According to Freedom House’s “Freedom on the Net” report, internet freedom has declined globally for the 13th consecutive year. This decline is largely attributed to government censorship, surveillance, and restrictions on online expression.
The Role of Satellite Internet in Challenging Authoritarianism
Starlink’s role in Iran is a case study in the potential of satellite internet to empower marginalized communities and challenge authoritarian regimes. While expensive and not universally accessible, it provides a lifeline for those living under oppressive regimes. Other companies, like OneWeb, are also launching low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, promising to expand global internet access.
Pro Tip: For journalists and activists working in high-risk environments, understanding and utilizing secure communication tools is paramount. Consider using end-to-end encrypted messaging apps like Signal and learning about digital security best practices.
The Evolving Tactics of State-Sponsored Cyberattacks
As citizens find ways to circumvent censorship, governments are responding with increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. These attacks range from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks aimed at disrupting online services to targeted surveillance and disinformation campaigns. The recent increase in ransomware attacks, often attributed to state-sponsored actors, further underscores the growing threat landscape.
FAQ: Internet Shutdowns and Digital Resistance
- What is an internet shutdown? A deliberate disruption of internet access, typically imposed by a government to suppress dissent or control information.
- How effective are internet shutdowns? While they can temporarily suppress protests, they often backfire by fueling anger and resentment. They also damage the economy and hinder access to essential services.
- What can be done to counter internet shutdowns? Supporting organizations that promote internet freedom, advocating for policies that protect online expression, and utilizing circumvention tools are all important steps.
- Is Starlink a long-term solution? While promising, Starlink is not a panacea. Its cost and availability remain significant barriers.
The events in Iran serve as a stark warning about the fragility of internet freedom and the lengths to which governments will go to control information. The fight for a free and open internet is a global struggle, and the lessons learned from Iran will be crucial in shaping the future of digital rights.
What are your thoughts on the role of technology in political movements? Share your perspective in the comments below!
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