The Raisi administration in Iran has allocated millions of dollars towards bolstering the country’s internet infrastructure, focusing on tightening control over information flow and reducing the influence of external media.
This decision, part of a broader financial strategy for the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, reflects a 25% increase from the previous year’s budget, totalling over IRR 195,830 billion (approximately $300 million). Additionally, over IRR 150,000 billion (over $220 million) in miscellaneous credits have been earmarked to expand the national information network.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology’s efforts aim to reduce dependency on the global internet, leading to a more isolated and state-controlled national information network.
Why does it matter?
Popular social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are blocked in Iran, and the government appears to be tightening internet control. Cloudflare has observed a significant decrease in internet traffic from Iran over the past two years, suggesting a trend of increased control and isolation. However, widespread internet disruptions have sparked discontent, leading the Tehran Chamber of Commerce to call for policy reassessment, citing economic concerns.
In the first quarter of 2024, Pulse has documented 22 deliberate internet shutdowns across 12 countries, with some ongoing since 2023. This figure matches the peak seen in 2021 during Myanmar‘s military coup, highlighting a concerning trend. India has been the most affected, with nine shutdowns, followed by Ethiopia and Senegal, each experiencing two incidents. Over half of these shutdowns have been localised, impacting specific regions within countries including Chad, Comoros, Cuba, Iran, Pakistan, Palestinian Territory and Russia.
Among the recorded events, nine led to nationwide disruptions lasting from hours to months, affecting approximately 297 million internet users and resulting in over 910 days of downtime. These shutdowns have inflicted significant economic losses, amounting to USD 565.4 million in GDP, as reported by Pulse. Such disruptions hinder societal progress, hamper economies, and undermine the stability of the global internet infrastructure.
Why does it matter?
Championing an open and easily accessible internet, advocates stress the significance of prioritising policies that ensure uninterrupted connectivity. Governments and policymakers globally are encouraged to endorse efforts to protect the internet, acknowledging its pivotal role in nurturing economic development and providing opportunities for individuals to exercise fundamental human rights in the digital era.
By the end of this year, Vietnam aims to have 65-80 percent of internet activities using IPv6, positioning the state among the top 8 nations worldwide in terms of protocol adoption. The project aims to convert 90-100 percent of formal e-Portals and public service portals of state ministries, agencies, and local authorities. This transition will facilitate more efficient and secure communication and interaction between citizens and the government.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Information and Communications, Vietnam has made significant progress in adoption. As of December 2023, IPv6 usage in Vietnam had reached an impressive 59 percent, placing the country in second position among ASEAN nations and ninth worldwide. Furthermore, all critical national Internet infrastructure in Vietnam already operates on IPv6, demonstrating the country’s commitment. By the end of the previous year, 76.48 million broadband internet subscribers, whether fixed or mobile, were already using this technology.
Internet Protocol version 6, offers a solution to the impending shortage of addresses with its nearly limitless address space. It enables the seamless integration of these technologies into the digital ecosystem.
