Story perspectives

Iran's Internet Censorship Fueled by Chinese Tech Ties

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Article 19 reports Iran's internet control relies on Chinese technologies, including facial recognition and the BeiDou GPS system, enabling severe censorship and a near-total blackout during January protests.
The collaboration involves Chinese firms such as Huawei and ZTE, enabling extensive surveillance.
The same technologies are sold to other countries, but Iran's use remains unclear.
Hikvision and ZTE say they have exited the Iranian market, raising transparency questions.

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Story summary

Article 19 reports Iran's internet control relies on Chinese technologies, including facial recognition and the BeiDou GPS system, enabling severe censorship and a near-total blackout during January protests.
The collaboration involves Chinese firms such as Huawei and ZTE, enabling extensive surveillance.
The same technologies are sold to other countries, but Iran's use remains unclear.
Hikvision and ZTE say they have exited the Iranian market, raising transparency questions.