Fact Check: "Iran's government restricts internet access, limiting information flow amid conflict."
What We Know
Iran's government has a long history of internet censorship and control over information flow, particularly during times of conflict or civil unrest. According to a report by the Associated Press, during the recent conflict with Israel, Iranians experienced a significant internet blackout, leaving them disconnected from the outside world and unable to communicate with family and friends within the country (AP News). This blackout lasted for at least 36 hours, with connectivity levels dropping to only a few percentage points of normal (NetBlocks).
The Iranian government has been known to block access to approximately 70% of the internet, including popular social media platforms and news websites, as part of its censorship strategy (Wikipedia). This systematic control is enforced by the Internet Filtering Committee, which decides which websites to block and monitors internet traffic extensively (Wikipedia).
Furthermore, the government has previously implemented total internet shutdowns during protests, such as those following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, demonstrating a pattern of restricting information flow to manage public perception and prevent unrest (Wikipedia).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that Iran's government restricts internet access is robust and comes from multiple credible sources. The Associated Press report highlights the immediate effects of the internet blackout during the current conflict, emphasizing how it serves as a form of psychological warfare and a means to control the narrative within Iran (AP News). Marwa Fatafta, a digital rights advocate, asserts that the Iranian regime's goal is to tightly control the information sphere, which aligns with historical patterns of censorship in the country (AP News).
The Wikipedia entry on internet censorship in Iran provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms in place for controlling internet access, including the blocking of major platforms and the government's ability to monitor online activity (Wikipedia). This source is reliable, as it compiles information from various reports and studies on the subject.
Additionally, the Freedom House report indicates that Iran's government has been increasingly centralizing internet control, further limiting citizens' access to information (Freedom House). This centralization is part of a broader strategy to maintain power and suppress dissent, particularly during times of crisis.
While some sources may present a biased view, such as those aligned with opposition movements, the overarching consensus among independent observers and rights organizations supports the claim that Iran restricts internet access to control information flow.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The evidence clearly demonstrates that Iran's government restricts internet access, particularly during conflicts, to limit information flow and control public perception. This practice is consistent with the country's historical approach to managing dissent and maintaining power.
