Post-war internet in Iran: More censorship and greater risks for users

What Happened

The Iranian government has implemented a more restrictive and controlled internet environment following the conclusion of an 88-day nationwide blackout that began on January 8. According to a source familiar with the communications sector, the Supreme National Security Council and the Supreme Council of Cyberspace have mandated that internet access be altered to prioritize state control and monitoring. Security agencies, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the police, and the Ministry of Intelligence, have intensified raids on private homes to confiscate Starlink satellite equipment, with reports of violent confrontations resulting in injuries and deaths.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The transition to a more heavily monitored and tiered internet architecture represents a significant escalation in the Iranian state's ability to suppress domestic dissent and control the flow of information. By rendering traditional VPNs largely ineffective and targeting satellite internet users, the government is effectively isolating the population from international communication channels, which complicates the ability of activists and human rights monitors to document ongoing security crackdowns.

Watch For

Monitor for further reports of internet speed degradation or total connectivity shutdowns, which sources suggest may precede additional security crackdowns. Additionally, observe the effectiveness of state-led efforts to implement a tiered internet system that grants unrestricted access only to intelligence-affiliated personnel while further restricting the general public.