Iran’s government is actively using sophisticated digital surveillance tools to identify and detain participants in recent anti-government protests. Following demonstrations that began in late December, authorities sent ominous text messages to some protesters, warning them that their “presence at illegal gatherings” had been noted and they were under “intelligence monitoring.” These messages urged citizens to avoid further participation, citing the involvement of “the enemy.”
Tracking Methods
Researchers believe the Iranian government tracked protesters primarily through location data emitted from their mobile phones. This is part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent by leveraging a vast digital surveillance infrastructure. Iran, alongside China, maintains some of the world’s most extensive surveillance capabilities, integrating technology to monitor mobile devices, apps, web traffic, facial recognition, and other tracking methods into its communications and internet networks.
Enforcement & Consequences
While internet blackouts received more initial attention during the crackdown, the sustained use of digital surveillance is now becoming apparent. Authorities are detaining individuals identified through facial recognition and phone data, subjecting them to prolonged interrogations. Some protesters who voiced dissent on social media have had their phone SIM cards suspended, cutting off mobile access. Others have received warning calls or faced disruptions to their banking services, according to a recent report by Holistic Resilience, a digital rights group.
Context & Concerns
This escalation in digital monitoring raises serious concerns about the suppression of dissent and the erosion of privacy in Iran. The government’s ability to track citizens through their devices highlights the increasing role of technology in authoritarian control. The long-term implications include a chilling effect on free speech and the potential for arbitrary arrests and persecution based on digital footprints.
The use of these tools underscores a shift toward proactive enforcement rather than solely reactive measures like internet shutdowns. By identifying individuals before further action, the government aims to deter future protests and maintain control over the population. This development warrants scrutiny as it sets a precedent for other nations considering similar surveillance practices.
Iran’s digital surveillance program is not just about suppressing current protests; it’s about establishing a permanent infrastructure for controlling dissent and silencing opposition in the long term.
