Arr, me hearties! Iran be raisin' the price o' their cursed internet, bringin' a fearsome storm o' greater censorship!
2024-01-04
Avast ye scurvy dogs! This here spike be addin' to the treasure ye must pay fer VPN subscriptions, to keep sailin' the open seas of the internet. Now, what be at risk for them Persian landlubbers? Arrr!
In a move to balance high levels of inflation, the Iranian government has given providers the go-ahead to increase internet tariffs by up to 34% by 2024. This decision has raised concerns among commentators, who fear that more expensive internet rates will worsen issues with online censorship and discourage citizens from accessing digital services. Iranians have already been turning to VPN services to bypass restrictions on internet access, and the higher costs may further limit people's online activities.The heavy restriction of the internet in Tehran is already well-known, with instances of censorship and limited access dating back to 2015. However, this trend intensified in 2022 following protests triggered by the death of a young woman who allegedly violated strict hijab rules. The authorities began throttling internet connections and blocking access to platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp in an attempt to silence protesters. Iran has become the biggest perpetrator of internet shutdowns in 2023, with weekly disruptions during Friday prayers in the Zahedan region.
While VPNs can't help during total shutdowns, they are effective in accessing restricted sites and social media platforms. They spoof users' IP addresses and encrypt internet connections for better privacy. This effectiveness undermines the government's attempts at censorship, which is likely the reason for the increase in internet tariffs.
The spike in prices will make the internet even more unaffordable in a country where it is already a luxury, particularly for lower-income individuals. Iran's internet infrastructure is also considered one of the worst globally, with plans in place to create a national internet similar to China's Great Firewall. The former Communications Minister has expressed concerns that the price hike will widen the gap between the people and the government.
Overall, the increase in internet tariffs in Iran is expected to have a detrimental impact on citizens' ability to access information, maintain social connections, and stay informed, exacerbating the ongoing issues with online censorship.