How the US and EU could facilitate a free internet for Iran – DW (English)
US Ambassador Richard Grenell's tweet suggesting that the United Statesand European Union could restore the internet for Iranians has drawn attention.
Grenell followed up with a tweet to cellphone manufacturers and social media companies, encouraging them to join in the task.
In order for the World Wide Web to work well, it requires a constant connection through which data can be sent and received. If the state or the provider cuts off the connection, nothing works.
It's nearly impossible for ordinary users with computers and routers to quickly access familiar internet services if a regime blocks network connections. However, limited communication may still be possible with a fair amount of effort.
The World Wide Web, with its web browsers, is one of many technologies that use the internet. The internet can be used just as well without the World Wide Web.
Before the World Wide Web got going in the 1990s, plenty of people already used the internet to communicate without being online all the time.
Read more:How Hong Kong protests are inspiring movements worldwide
CrossPointas inspiration?
CrossPoint (also called XP) brought together the function of discussion forums with those of an email program. Simple PCs equipped with one or two telephone modems acted as servers.
These CrossPoint servers only needed to call one another every now and then on a normal telephone line to exchange their data packets.
Internet access was disrupted in Iran in response to protests
The technology works in countries run by authoritarian regimes, too. The Zamir Transnational Network demonstrated that starting in 1991, during the wars in the former Yugoslavia. As long as the servers were able to reach a telephone number in a free country, communication with the internet and the rest of the world was assured. The authorities at the time were able to tap analog phone calls, but the digital gobbledygook was too much for it.
It could still take days for an email to reach its recipient, but it wasfar faster than sending a letter.
Read more:Cybercrime servers hosted in former NATO bunker in Germany
'A sensible way'
The backbone of a contemporary system in Iran and other countries with authoritarian governments would be the hundreds of thousands or even millions of smartphones that people carry around with them.
An app could create a network out of the devices of people who take part: Each of those phones would become a server and connect with other phones nearby. A massive parallel internet would emerge through which users could communicate with each other.Bridgefy, an app that connects smartphones via Bluetooth, has been used by protesters in Hong Kong and Lebanon.
Theoretically, the Wi-Fi function of cellphones could be used the same way to communicate. Then each phone would become a wireless router.
But it wouldn't be straightforward for programmers, said Fabian Marquardt, a researcher of networks and IT security at the University of Bonn. "It is difficult to organize the redistribution of the messages in a sensible way," he said, adding that if the messages are always redistributed to everyone, there's a danger that too much useless data ends up taking up space on too many phones.
Read more:Iran's Khamenei backs fuel price hike, slams 'hooligans'
Secret servers
Users trying to avoid the scrutiny of politically repressive regimes such as China's and Iran's would need to worry about leaving digital traces. With a skillfully designed Bluetooth or WiFi solution, a SIM card might no longer even be necessary. Cellphone users would no longer need to register with telecom providers, and it would become harder to expose them. But they would need to be able to buy phones anonymously.
It is also important that any messenger software they use to communicate have end-to-end encryption.Signalis similar to WhatsApp, the market leader. But, with Signal, no one aside from the recipient can determine who sent a message or what it says. Users' contact lists are also anonymous.
The free internet for Iran that Ambassador Grenell has called for could possibly be implemented with a cleverly designed app that would include a number of secret servers operated inside the country that allow telephone communications abroad.
What about satellites?
If a country blocks all channels of communication abroad, what's left is communication into space. But not every mobile phone user has that option because their devices do not necessarily have the technical means to send such signals.
But opposition figures could be outfitted with compatible devices, such as Iridium phones. Iridium already provides a messaging service. Why not hand out a few hundred devices to trustworthy people in Iran as hubs for everyone connected to the greater network to be able to communicate with the outside world?
SpaceX is building a satellite constellation to provide internet access
Users would have to contend with one limitation: High-quality images or videos would probably cripple the system quickly. Communication would be better restricted to text.
In the future, the Starlink satellite system from SpaceX might be able to bring properly free internet with a high bit rate directly to the people. But users would need special antennas that aren't yet available.
Like satellite dishes, the antennas would need to be installed outside, said Marquardt, the IT researcher. "Anyone who mounts such a thing on a roof in Iran or China has to be prepared for someone eventually knocking on the door and asking what it is," he said.
DW's editors send out a selection of the day's hard news and quality feature journalism. Sign up for the newsletter here.
Visit link:
How the US and EU could facilitate a free internet for Iran - DW (English)
- 2 IDF reservists, one of them in Iron Dome unit, arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran - The Times of Israel - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- On GPS: Is Iran weaker than ever? - CNN - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Bolton: there is no question in my mind Iran may take action against me - MSNBC - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Is Iran inching closer to recognizing Taliban rule in Afghanistan? - Amwaj.media - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Online gold platforms thrive in Iran as economic pressures mount - - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Who is John Ratcliffe, the Iran hawk heading the CIA? - - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Iran says weighing Trump factor, insists on nuclear talks only | Iran International - - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- 2 IDF reservists, one of them from Iron Dome unit, arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran - The Times of Israel - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Iran's judiciary denies release of convicted tycoon Babak Zanjani - - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Israel boosts F-16s with $80M upgrades amid rising tensions with Iran - The Jerusalem Post - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- US ties crucial for Iraq, separate from relations with Iran, says Iraqi FM - Kurdistan24 - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Trump urged to rethink nixing security for US ex-officials under threat from Iran - The Times of Israel - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Iraq Is a Key Test of Trump's Willingness to Counter Iran - Business Insider - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- In Iran, One-Third of Patients Refrain from Purchasing Medication - Iran Focus - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Iran News: Iranian Arms Smuggling to Hezbollah Disrupted Amid Growing Tensions in Syria - National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- BCFIF Calls on UK to Act Against Imminent Executions of Political Prisoners in Iran - Iran News Update - January 27th, 2025 [January 27th, 2025]
- Trump Revokes Security Detail for Pompeo and Others, Despite Threats From Iran - The New York Times - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- How Iran Lost Before It Lost: The Roll Back of Its Gray Zone Strategy - War On The Rocks - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- Iran's foreign minister meets the Taliban in the first visit to Kabul in 8 years - ABC News - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- Iran Review - 48th Session of Universal Periodic Review - Welcome to the United Nations - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- New Russia-Iran Treaty Reveals the Limits of Their Partnership - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- How quickly could Iran build its first nuclear weapon? Look at China - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- Mastermind of Iran's US influence effort appointed head of ministry think tank - - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- Iran is 'pressing the gas pedal' on uranium enrichment, IAEA chief says - Reuters - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- Trump said set to appoint Steve Witkoff to manage Iran nuclear file - The Times of Israel - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- Donald Trump ("Abu Ivanka") and the Gulf States Vs. Iran - The Globalist - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- Trump to appoint Steve Witkoff as Iran envoy: Report - Anadolu Agency | English - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- Trump says Iran deal would be 'really nice', bucks hawks - The New Arab - January 26th, 2025 [January 26th, 2025]
- Trump says he hopes not to have to support Israeli attack on Iran - - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump: Would be nice to solve problems with Iran without Israeli strikes - The Times of Israel - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- From Iran to European nations: What does the world expect from Trump? - Israel Hayom - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- The Farda Briefing: Iran Talks Tough But Signals Openness For Negotiations With U.S. - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- What a Secretary of State Rubio means for the Middle East: Getting tougher on Iran and tighter with allies - Atlantic Council - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump revokes protections for former Secretary of State Pompeo and top aide threatened by Iran - The Associated Press - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- UN chief Guterres calls on Iran to renounce nuclear weapons - Reuters - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Davos- Iran's Zarif says he hopes Trump will choose 'rationality' - Reuters - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Conscience Held Captive: The State of Religious Minorities in Iran - IranWire | - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump will seek snapback of UN sanctions on Iran, Rubio says - - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump says hes hopeful Iran deal can be reached without Israeli military strike on nuclear program - All Israel News - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump has few good options to prevent Iran from building a nuclear bomb - The Conversation - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Italian journalist detained in Iran says she expected to be held longer and praises Musk's role - The Associated Press - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Why Russia and Iran signed a new 'strategic partnership' - Le Monde - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Iran and Russia deepen cyber ties with new agreement - The Record from Recorded Future News - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Saudi FM says Trump presidency doesnt raise risk of Iran-Israel war - The Times of Israel - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Over 1,000 tons of missile fuel chemicals head for Iran from China report - The Jerusalem Post - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Iran says it hopes Trump will take realistic approach, show respect to Mideast - The Times of Israel - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump ends Secret Service protection for John Bolton as Iran threat persists - WBAL TV Baltimore - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- How Iran Lost Before It Lost - RealClearWorld - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- The alliance of outcasts: Closer ties between Russia and Iran bring benefits and new enemies for both nations - The Insider - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump revokes security detail for Mike Pompeo, years after Iran threatened to kill the then-secretary of State - New York Post - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trumps Iran Policy Puts Focus on $30 Billion-a-Year Oil Revenue - Bloomberg - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Iran unveils new underground naval base amid tension with US and Israel - Reuters - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Iran pushing for better ties with Azerbaijan: Why and how? - analysis - The Jerusalem Post - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump fires his former Iran envoy Brian Hook on first day | Iran International - - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Interpreting the 20-year military pact between Russia & Iran - Responsible Statecraft - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Russia and Iran have a troubled history despite their current alliance - The Associated Press - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump: 'It Would Be Really Nice' if Iran Issues Could Be Worked Out Without Israeli Strikes on Nuclear Sites - Haaretz - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Trump to appoint Mideast envoy Witkoff to handle the Iran portfolio - Ynetnews - January 24th, 2025 [January 24th, 2025]
- Musk Said to Have Intervened to Help Free Italian Jailed in Iran - The New York Times - January 19th, 2025 [January 19th, 2025]
- Iran calls pending Gaza deal a defeat for Israel, as leaders worldwide welcome pact - The Times of Israel - January 19th, 2025 [January 19th, 2025]
- Russia and Iran sign cooperation treaty days before Trump's inauguration - Euronews - January 19th, 2025 [January 19th, 2025]
- Putin and Iran's president sign 20-year treaty, strengthening ties - CBS News - January 19th, 2025 [January 19th, 2025]
- Making Iran Choose Between the Bomb and Bankruptcy - The Washington Institute - January 19th, 2025 [January 19th, 2025]
- Iran unveils underground naval base as it seeks to counter Israeli threat - Sky News - January 19th, 2025 [January 19th, 2025]
- Russia's Strategic Treaty With Iran May Have Nuclear Angle - Newsweek - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Russia and Iran to sign partnership treaty this week - POLITICO Europe - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Iran, already on the defensive, braces for second Trump term - The Washington Post - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Russia says Iran's president will visit this week and sign a partnership pact with Putin - ABC News - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Reform is Happening in Iran and Assads Fall Could Accelerate It - Stimson Center - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Iran welcomes return of national held in Italy in spat involving the US - Al Jazeera English - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Iran holding war games as it faces Israel tensions, Trump's return - Reuters - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Iran, European powers hold third round of nuclear talks in Geneva - - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Will Iran build a nuclear bomb while Trump is in power in the US? - Al Jazeera English - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Iran nuclear talks resume ahead of Trump's return: What's at stake? - Perspective - FRANCE 24 English - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Iran Gets Major Drone Boost Amid Growing Tensions With Israel - Newsweek - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Frenchman held in Iran since 2022 reveals identity in audio message - FRANCE 24 English - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Trump Urged to Reapply Maximum Pressure on Iran in New Strategic Blueprint - BTW21 - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Iran expands military drills to two more nuclear sites in countrys west and center - The Times of Israel - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Germany welcomes release of German-Iranian rights activist from prison in Iran and her return home - Yahoo! Voices - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]
- Opinion | Iran is weak, and should be ready to negotiate - The Washington Post - January 13th, 2025 [January 13th, 2025]