Iran accused of blocking SIM cards, digital access to silence dissent
DW has spoken with several Iranians who say their SIM cards, bank access and online accounts were blocked until they deleted critical content or pledged to stop activism.
Iran is accused of blocking SIM cards and digital access to silence dissent, according to reports from three Iranians who have used pseudonyms for safety. Sina, 25, said his SIM card was disconnected after he tried to book a taxi with it while returning from university. He was then interrogated for six hours by the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IO-IRGC) and required to sign a pledge and publish supportive posts, after which his SIM card and phone were returned.
Sorour, a 41-year-old translator, had her SIM card disconnected and was interrogated about her Instagram and X activities, told to make her account private, and required to refrain from critical activities. Mina, 63, was summoned by the IO-IRGC after posting a comment supporting a political current, and her SIM card and ID card were blocked, disrupting her access to various services.
Other citizens have also reported SIM card disconnections and related restrictions, alleging that the government's policy is to pressure critics and opponents into obedience or withdrawal.
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