Story perspectives

Iran's Internet Control: Chinese Tech Fuels Repression

2/14/2026

Center

Iran's Censorship Strategy

Iran's internet control relies on Chinese technology, enabling the government to disconnect its 93 million citizens during protests.
The Article 19 report attributes decades of China–Iran cooperation to a censorship system, including Xinjiang methods against the Uyghurs.
Michael Caster of Article 19 says Iran's shutdowns reveal a sophisticated digital authoritarian strategy, including satellite-blocking.
The Iran–China collaboration has provided advanced tools for repression and shared tactics to control information.

Left

Iranian Surveillance Warning

Iranian authorities warn participants in illegal gatherings that they are under surveillance.
Researchers say the government uses phone location data to monitor protesters, part of broader digital surveillance including mobile monitoring and facial recognition.
Human rights groups say these capabilities have attracted less attention than internet blackouts during protests.
Holistic Resilience, a digital rights group focused on Iran, notes activists faced suspended SIM cards and banking interruptions.

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Iran's Censorship Strategy

Iran's internet control relies on Chinese technology, enabling the government to disconnect its 93 million citizens during protests.
The Article 19 report attributes decades of China–Iran cooperation to a censorship system, including Xinjiang methods against the Uyghurs.
Michael Caster of Article 19 says Iran's shutdowns reveal a sophisticated digital authoritarian strategy, including satellite-blocking.
The Iran–China collaboration has provided advanced tools for repression and shared tactics to control information.

1 / 2