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 has been accused of blocking SIM cards and digital access to silence dissent among its citizens. According to three Iranians speaking to DW, their SIM cards were disconnected following their participation in protests or online criticism of the government. Upon receiving a summons from an organization identified as the Intelligence Organization of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IO-IRGC), the individuals were interrogated and required to sign pledges, delete critical content, and pledge allegiance to the Islamic Republic before their phones and SIM cards were returned.
The restrictions on SIM cards and digital access have become a tool used by the Islamic Republic to pressure opponents, critics, journalists, and civil rights activists for decades.
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