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Iran Uses Internet to Spy on Dissidents

Nokia, Siemens technology allows regime to monitor Internet use

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 22, 2009 8:37 AM CDT

(Newser) – Iran has relied on European telecom companies, including Siemens and Nokia, to develop one of the world's most intricate systems for monitoring and censoring the Internet, reports the Wall Street Journal. The regime's surveillance goes beyond blocking access; it gathers information on individual users using a technique known as deep packet inspection and even has the ability to alter web content to spread disinformation. "We didn't know they could do this much," said one engineer in Tehran.

Iran had experimented with the surveillance program briefly before, but the recent protests have offered the first demonstration of its powers. The regime's control of cyberspace may help to explain why Iran has allowed Internet access to continue—although slowed to a tenth of normal speeds. "They're drilling into what the population is trying to say," said one tech expert. "This looks like a step beyond what any other country is doing, including China."

A broken computer monitor in a room in a Tehran University dormitory after it was attacked by militia forces during riots.
A broken computer monitor in a room in a Tehran University dormitory after it was attacked by militia forces during riots.   (AP photo)
An Iranian woman uses the internet in the Tadrish bazaar in northern Tehran, Iran, Thursday, June 11, 2009.
An Iranian woman uses the internet in the Tadrish bazaar in northern Tehran, Iran, Thursday, June 11, 2009.   (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
A group protests in front of the White House in support of protesters in Iran and to condemn Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's decision to suppress the protests, Sunday, June 21, 2009.
A group protests in front of the White House in support of protesters in Iran and to condemn Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's decision to suppress the protests, Sunday, June 21, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Observer
Jun 22, 2009 6:52 AM CDT
So right Amber.
Observer
Jun 22, 2009 6:52 AM CDT
Gee! Who knew that the Iranian and US governments were so much alike? Repeal the Patriot Act. It does not make anyone safer. Just more exposed to illegal domestic spying.

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