Iran: Government restricts internet access and disables many VPNs

The authorities have made access to Instagram and WhatsApp impossible and at the same time reduced the bandwidth, which significantly limits the use of the Internet.

(Illustrative image) AFP - -

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

Since the beginning of the protest movement following the death of the young Mahsa Amini, during her detention by the morality police, the authorities have considerably reduced the bandwidth on the Internet and for the past few days have deactivated most VPNs or the software that bypasses restrictions.

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With our correspondent in Tehran

,

Siavosh Ghazi

In front of an audience of local journalists, Telecommunications Minister Issa Zarehpour hinted that internet restrictions would continue.

VPN software harms devices and cell phones because it opens the way for hackers who can hack into smartphones.

So I advise everyone not to use VPNs as much as possible.

Selling VPNs is illegal, efforts are being made to make it a crime.

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►To listen: Internet shutdowns: from Iran to China, repression also goes through the web

Access to social networks has become impossible

The minister affirmed that part of the measures prepared are already in application.

In fact, most VPNs previously used to circumvent censorship are no longer usable.

Likewise, the authorities have made it impossible to access Instagram and WhatsApp and at the same time have reduced the bandwidth, which considerably limits the use of the Internet and affects many people who used the web in their daily work.

To read: Protest in Iran: "The authorities have deprived the people of fundamental human rights"

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