The State of Iran's Information War
Despite the regime's attempts to isolate the country by shutting down the internet, information continues to flow in and out of Iran. The opposition is actively employing modern technology and proven methods to transmit data, allowing it to maintain a vital connection with the public. In an interview with political analyst Yuriy Romanenko, Maziarr Mian noted that opposition channels have tens of millions of subscribers and continue to operate despite significant obstacles.
Methods of Information Transmission
The opposition relies on several key methods to relay information:
- Starlink terminals
- Satellite television channels
- Shortwave and medium-wave radio broadcasts
Mian emphasized this resilience, stating,
"We receive video materials from almost the entire country. This shows that the guys who have Starlinks are very organized."She also mentioned several cyberattacks on Iranian state television, which occurred during the first days of the war and again recently. During these attacks, all channels broadcast a message from the prince for 2-3 minutes, providing another avenue to reach a mass audience.
Even as the regime tries to combat satellite dishes by confiscating them, communication persists thanks to new technologies. Mian shared her personal experience:
"When I lived in Iran, we bought dishes three times. The security forces would come, go up to the roof, tear everything out, and take it away. But now, thanks to Starlink and satellites, the connection is still maintained."These facts point to the durability of opposition forces in the struggle to control the information space under state censorship.
This ongoing battle highlights the critical role of technology in modern political conflicts. It demonstrates that even under severe censorship and attempted isolation, opposition groups can find ways to communicate with the population. The use of satellite technology and alternative communication channels shows that the information war continues, allowing citizens access to crucial news and a platform for their views, thereby challenging the government's control over the flow of information.