Iran’s internet blackout left people in the dark. How does a country shut down the internet? – The Conversation

Report on Internet Shutdowns and Their Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Overview of Recent Internet Blackouts

In recent days, Iran experienced a near-complete internet blackout, with local service providers, including mobile services, repeatedly going offline. The Iranian government cited cybersecurity concerns as the reason for ordering the shutdown.

Such nationwide internet shutdowns severely limit citizens’ ability to communicate freely and access reliable information during times of conflict, impacting fundamental human rights and development.

Mechanisms of Internet Shutdowns

Hardware-Based Shutdowns

1. Physical disconnection of incoming internet connectivity at the country’s entry points.
2. This method results in a total loss of internet access for all users within the country.
3. Recovery of service depends on government decisions; covert connectivity may be maintained by the government itself.

Software and Configuration-Based Shutdowns

• Manipulation of Domain Name System (DNS) to block access to key internet services by altering domain-to-IP address mappings.
• Control of Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) routes to disrupt internet traffic flow, effectively isolating the country from the global internet.

Global Prevalence of Internet Shutdowns

Internet shutdowns are increasingly common worldwide, often implemented during political unrest or protests. Examples include:

• Bangladesh (July 2024): Wide-scale blackout during student protests.
• Senegal (2023): Limited internet access amid violent protests.
• India (2020): Lengthy blackout in Kashmir region.
• Egypt (2011): Withdrawal of BGP routes during civil unrest.

These cases demonstrate that governments globally have the technical capability to enforce internet shutdowns, with political will being the primary determinant.

Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Internet shutdowns directly affect multiple SDGs, including but not limited to:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Disruptions hinder access to health information and telemedicine services.
• SDG 4: Quality Education – Interruptions affect online learning and educational resources.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Economic activities relying on internet connectivity suffer significant setbacks.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Internet infrastructure is critical for innovation and industrial development.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Internet access is essential for transparency, communication, and civic participation.

Therefore, internet shutdowns undermine progress towards achieving these goals by restricting access to information, communication, and economic opportunities.

Methods to Circumvent Internet Controls

1. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): Used to bypass censorship by encrypting internet traffic; however, effectiveness is limited when physical disconnection occurs or when VPNs are blocked.
2. Satellite Internet Services: Services like Starlink, Viasat, and HughesNet provide alternative connectivity via satellites, bypassing terrestrial infrastructure controls.

During the recent Iranian blackout, Starlink was reportedly activated, with thousands of receivers operating covertly, demonstrating satellite internet’s potential to support SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by providing access in restricted environments.

Conclusion

Internet shutdowns represent a significant challenge to sustainable development by restricting access to information, communication, and economic participation. Governments’ ability to control internet access through hardware and software means poses risks to multiple Sustainable Development Goals.

Efforts to promote open and reliable internet access are essential to uphold human rights and advance global development objectives. Alternative technologies such as satellite internet offer promising solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of shutdowns and support resilient digital infrastructure worldwide.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The article discusses internet infrastructure control, shutdowns, and alternative technologies like satellite internet, which relate to building resilient infrastructure and promoting inclusive innovation.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The internet shutdowns impact freedom of communication and access to information, which are essential for peaceful and inclusive societies and accountable institutions.
3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Internet blackouts affect people’s jobs and the economy, linking to sustained economic growth and productive employment.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Access to internet services and the use of satellite internet to bridge connectivity gaps relate to reducing inequalities within and among countries.
5. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Access to reliable information and communication during conflicts supports inclusive and equitable quality education.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 9
   • Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020.
2. SDG 16
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements.
3. SDG 8
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.
4. SDG 10
   • Target 10.b: Encourage official development assistance and financial flows, including foreign direct investment, to states where the need is greatest, especially least developed countries, to help reduce inequalities.
5. SDG 4
   • Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicators related to SDG 9. c
   • Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, internet penetration rates, and availability of alternative internet access methods such as satellite internet.
   • Frequency and duration of internet shutdowns or blackouts.
2. Indicators related to SDG 16.10
   • Number of incidents of internet shutdowns or restrictions on access to information.
   • Measures of freedom of expression and access to information during times of conflict.
3. Indicators related to SDG 8.3
   • Impact of internet shutdowns on employment rates and economic productivity.
4. Indicators related to SDG 10.b
   • Access to affordable internet services among marginalized populations.
5. Indicators related to SDG 4.4
   • Access to digital skills training and availability of online educational resources during internet disruptions.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: theconversation.com