Internet shutdowns: A repressive measure used by Iranian regime to mute people
November 29, 2022, 3:33 pm

Internet shutdowns: A repressive measure used by Iranian regime to mute people

By: Mirna alrached

As internet shutdowns are common tactics used by governments to isolate people from the world in times of protests and decisive events, they affect people’s rights to communication, information gathering, education and freedom of speech, and they also lead to an increased level of violence and insecurity when security forces confront defenseless citizens during civil unrest.

Iran, a history of internet shutdowns

In October, the Freedom Online Coalition published a Joint Statement on Internet Shutdowns in Iran, condemning the measures undertaken by the government to restrict access to the Internet following the nationwide protests over the tragic killing of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by the morality police, and died in a hospital in Tehran on 16 September.

“The Iranian government has to a large scale shut down the Internet yet again for most of its 84 million citizens nationwide by cutting off mobile data; disrupting popular social media platforms; throttling Internet service; and blocking individual users, encrypted DNS services, text messages, and access entirely,” said the statement.

Internet shutdowns in Iran date back many years ago, and in many cases they are followed by violence against citizens. In 2019, a deadly crackdown resulted in the killing of at least 323 men, women and children during five days of protests which swept across the country following the announcement of a significant increase in the price of fuel, and it was accompanied by the government implementing a near-total internet shutdown for seven consecutive days, denying access to the internet for most of the population.

Weeks later, in December 2019, major network connectivity disruptions were observed over two days as heightened security presence in parts of the country were reported. However, this did not lead to a wider shutdown.

In the aftermath of the tragic downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 by Iran’s armed forces in January 2020, significant internet disruptions were observed once again as protests broke out. This time, 3G and 4G mobile networks were disrupted around Azadi square in Tehran, where many were gathered to protest. Access to the messaging app WhatsApp was also disrupted during this time.

By blocking these services, the Iranian government is suppressing the right of peaceful assembly and freedoms expression, disrupting access to education, healthcare, emergency services, and financial services, and limiting the ability of journalists, human rights defenders, and others to report on and document human rights violations or abuses that are taking place during internet shutdowns, or communications disruptions.

In February 2021, a near total Internet shutdowns began as protests erupted following reports and videos showing the Islamic Republic Revolutionary Guards Corps had opened fire with live ammunition at a group of unarmed civilian fuel porters near the border city of Saravan in Sistan and Baluchistan province killing at least ten individuals including a child.

As the telecommunications industry is tightly controlled by the Iranian government, significant restrictions on content have been in place since 2009. Censorship decisions remained highly politicized, with both conservative and reformist news sites facing censorship for failure to adhere to strict guidelines on coverage of political, social, and international issues. Authorities restrict access to tens of thousands of websites, particularly those of international news and information services. Websites are also blocked if they contradict state doctrine regarding Islam, as well as government narratives on domestic or international politics. Major international platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Telegram remain blocked at critical times, as did Google Play. The government also spend time attacking and dismantling VPNs - virtual private networks - in order to prevent access to foreign websites.

Human rights violations and financial losses

These shutdowns are considered to be a violation of Articles 19 and 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Human Rights Council Resolution 44/12 on freedom of opinion and expression (2020) strongly condemns Internet shutdowns and calls on states to refrain from such practices. More specifically, Resolution 44/20 on peaceful protests calls on states to refrain from ordering blanket Internet shutdowns and from blocking websites and platforms during protests or key political moments.

The latest internet shutdowns affected the e-commerce sales, inflicting damages on people who have a home business on WhatsApp and Instagram messengers. According to Reza Olfat-Nasab of the board of directors of the Online Business Union, the number of online shops in Iran reached 300,000 last year, while the incomes of 10 million Iranians are reportedly dependent on Instagram.

Every hour of internet shutdown results in damage to the economy worth $1.5m, Hossein Salahvarzi, vice president of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, has stated earlier in October, adding that “this situation will increase the migration of genius people and startups and decrease investment."

The computer trade union of Tehran announced Saturday (Nov 12) that based on a survey conducted at 104 member companies, almost half of the ISP firms have faced a 50% drop.

The union's secretary Alireza Keshavarz Jamshidian added that about half of the Internet providers lost over 500 million rials (around $1,400) a day, as sales dropped, assuring that one-fifth of the companies say they suffered between $2,800 and $14,000 loss a day.

US Department of State

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By: Mirna alrached

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.