Iran Tightens Internet Curbs on Eve of Festival Tied to Protests Iran has intensified its restrictions on internet access in the days leading up to a major festival, which is associated with recent protests, according to network monitoring firms and local activists. The measures come as the government continues to limit connectivity across the country, which has been heavily throttled since the outbreak of war. Over the past 48 hours, the regime has further restricted what little internet infrastructure remains, with a focus on curbing the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass censorship. Analysis from Netblocks and Kentik, two companies that track internet traffic, indicates that the Iranian authorities are actively monitoring and blocking access to encrypted communication tools. These actions are part of a broader effort to suppress dissent and control the flow of information, particularly as the country prepares for a significant cultural event that has historically been linked to public demonstrations. The festival, which is expected to draw large crowds, has become a focal point for activists seeking to challenge government policies. Local telecommunications networks have seen a sharp decline in available bandwidth, with many citizens reporting intermittent outages and slower connection speeds. The restrictions are believed to be a response to growing unrest, as protests have erupted in several regions over the past months. Activists have used the internet to organize demonstrations, share information, and coordinate efforts to resist government crackdowns. By limiting access to VPNs, the regime aims to disrupt these networks and prevent the spread of unfiltered content.#iran #netblocks #kentik #iranian_government #festival
