Article Summary

The article describes how Iran has imposed a prolonged, near-total internet shutdown affecting 90 million people, framed as a security measure during tensions with Israel and the U.S., but presents evidence that the government is instead tightening control through a new cyberspace body and a tiered access system favoring loyalists. It highlights how average Iranians are cut off from the global internet, can only use restricted local networks, and face high costs or risks to bypass filters—painting a picture of systemic digital suppression. While it cites officials’ security claims, it underscores the lack of proof for such threats and emphasizes the human cost and erosion of digital rights.