Iran enforces nationwide internet shutdown, highlighting the importance of decentralized mesh networks.

The Iranian government has shut down the internet nationwide due to escalating protests. Some Iranian citizens have managed to regain access to certain services through mesh networks, highlighting the need for more decentralized alternatives to the internet.

Since the Iranian government began raising fuel prices, protests have erupted in major cities across Iran. Despite the prices still being lower than in many other countries, this is seen as an ongoing issue of inequality within the country. So far, the protests have led to over 1,000 people being arrested, with many injured and dead.

Internet Shutdown in Iran

To counter these protests, the government has blocked the internet, preventing demonstrators from communicating with each other or anyone outside the country.

Following the shutdown by major Iranian internet service providers including MCI, Rightel, and IranCell, the non-governmental organization NetBlocks noted:

This incident marks the most severe internet shutdown in Iran since President Hassan Rouhani took office, and is the most far-reaching in terms of technical complexity and breadth that NetBlocks has observed in any country.

The internet shutdown includes all social media services such as WhatsApp and Instagram. For protesters hoping to organize and spread information, the internet blockade has become a major obstacle. There are also concerns among the public that without the ability to share and document events nationwide, it will be difficult to expose the Iranian government's misconduct.

NetBlocks stated that with the remaining networks cut off, Iran's connectivity with the outside world has further dropped to 4%, virtually isolating the Iranian people from the rest of the world.

Establishing Peer-to-Peer Internet

In response to the enforced internet shutdown, the public is turning to alternative methods to circumvent internet restrictions and communicate with each other. An application called Toosheh in the country provides users with content such as books and popular news daily via satellite and has gained attention.

On the other hand, GoTenna is a USB-sized device that, when paired with other devices, can create a local network. Participants can exchange encrypted messages with each other without the need for an internet connection. This technology has also been welcomed by the cryptocurrency community.

According to reports, the Iranian government's forced nationwide internet shutdown has entered its fourth day, drawing strong condemnation from various countries. Brian Hook, the U.S. Special Representative for Iran, stated that they are assisting Iran in restoring normal internet access and closely monitoring the situation in Iran.

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