Iran has restricted internet access to counter Israeli cyberattacks amid escalating tensions between the two nations. The New York Times and NBC News report that the Iranian government has limited internet access, affecting popular chat apps like WhatsApp and access to foreign websites.
The move is aimed at maintaining network stability, according to Fatemeh Mohajerani, the Iranian government spokesperson. Iran has reportedly reduced internet bandwidth by up to 80%.
Companies tracking global internet connectivity, such as Kentinc and Netblocks, have confirmed a significant drop in Iran’s internet signal since June 17. Mobile internet services are unavailable in some areas, and VPNs used to access foreign websites are periodically blocked.
The Iranian government has urged citizens to uninstall WhatsApp, accusing the app of storing data for Israel. WhatsApp has denied these claims, expressing concern that misinformation may be used to justify blocking its services when people need them most.
Impact on Citizens
The restrictions have made it difficult for citizens to receive warnings about potential attacks. They are unable to contact loved ones in emergencies, and services like Google Maps are unavailable, causing confusion among those trying to evacuate. The government promotes its National Information Network (NIN) as an alternative, but citizens are concerned about its safety.
Cyberattack Escalation
The situation is not one-sided. Cybersecurity firm Radware reports a surge in cyberattacks on Israel since Iran’s recent attack, which is believed to be linked to Iranian-backed hackers. Iran has been involved in various cyberattacks, including stealing US voter data and sending threatening emails to Democratic voters.
The sources for this information include Engadget.