Digital Repression in Iran Amid Ongoing Conflict

Since the onset of the war involving the United States and Israel in February 2025, Iran has experienced a significant increase in digital repression. The organization Miaan reported a nearly 170% rise in cyber threats from July 2025 to March 2026, coinciding with a 12-day bombing campaign and subsequent protests. Cyberattacks, including direct denial of service (DDoS) attacks targeting human rights organizations, have been attributed to a complex threat environment aimed at Persian-speaking users. The Iranian government has also imposed internet blackouts during protests, severely limiting access to communication platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram.

The Straits TimesWhat Digital Isolation and Censorship Evasion Look Like In Wartime Iran

Following the bombing campaign, the Iranian government implemented a nationwide internet blackout, which has led to a state of digital isolation. While some citizens regained intermittent access, the government has actively restricted communications, even targeting individuals with privileged "White SIM card" connections. Reports indicate that the authorities are employing various censorship tactics, including DNS poisoning and HTTP filtering, complicating efforts for citizens to bypass restrictions. The International Organization Development Association (IODA) noted that internet connectivity in Iran has dwindled to minimal levels, with selective filtering allowing only certain individuals to maintain access.

What Digital Isolation and Censorship Evasion Look Like In Wartime IranThe Straits Times

Iran's history of internet restrictions has been marked by significant events, such as the 2019 protests and the aftermath of Mahsa Amini's death in September 2022. Each of these incidents prompted severe internet crackdowns, with the government blocking social media and independent news sites. Analysts suggest that the current digital isolation strategies may indicate a long-term plan to establish a strictly controlled domestic internet, known as the National Information Network (NIN), which has been in development since 2013.

What Digital Isolation and Censorship Evasion Look Like In Wartime Iran

The ongoing digital repression has profound implications for Iranian citizens. Many are resorting to expensive tools to maintain contact with family abroad, while others rely on traditional landline phones, which are fraught with the risk of surveillance. Reports indicate that security forces are actively checking phones, and new laws have made the use of certain technologies, like Starlink, punishable by death. Despite these risks, some individuals are using domestically developed apps to communicate, highlighting the lengths to which people will go to connect with the outside world.

What Digital Isolation and Censorship Evasion Look Like In Wartime Iran

Human Rights Watch has condemned the Iranian government's internet shutdowns, arguing that they obstruct access to essential services and violate international human rights standards. The United Nations has similarly criticized such "kill switches" as unjustifiable under human rights law. The situation in Iran has drawn international attention, with many calling for greater awareness and action against the regime's digital repression tactics.

What Digital Isolation and Censorship Evasion Look Like In Wartime Iran

• “As Human Rights Watch has pointed out, internet shutdowns not only obfuscate possible “laws of war” violations, but also cut people off from sources of food and shelter and life-saving services.” — Human Rights Watch

What Digital Isolation and Censorship Evasion Look Like In Wartime Iran

• “Hope briefly emerged that the regime might collapse, but news of possible negotiations has plunged everyone back into anxiety and uncertainty,” — Anonymous Iranian woman

What Digital Isolation and Censorship Evasion Look Like In Wartime Iran

The ongoing conflict and the Iranian government's response to dissent through digital repression continue to shape the lives of citizens, raising critical questions about freedom of expression and human rights in the region.

What Digital Isolation and Censorship Evasion Look Like In Wartime Iran