Censorship and Internet Shutdowns During the January 2026 Protests
Technological and Ethical Challenges
Balancing Security and Rights
The Iranian government claims that censorship and shutdowns are necessary to prevent chaos. However, such measures often infringe on basic freedoms and are exploited to hide abuses.
The Role of Tech Companies
Many global tech companies faced dilemmas:
- Compliance: Whether to cooperate with Iranian authorities to maintain access.
- Resistance: Some companies refused to comply fully, providing tools and support for circumventing censorship.
Ethical Dilemmas
- User Privacy: Circumvention tools often expose users to surveillance.
- Global Responsibility: Tech firms are challenged to uphold human rights while respecting local laws.
