Web Users Worldwide Help Iranians Thwart Censors

Nokia, Siemens technology allows regime to monitor Internet use

(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. More»

Internet companies rush new tools for Iranian protesters

(NEWSER) - Twitter has taken extraordinary measures to keep its site running during the Iranian election protests, and now other websites are speeding up developments. Today Facebook launched an early version of its site in Persian, relying on 400 volunteers to translate pages into the local language. "We felt it was important to help more people communicate rather than wait," said a spokesman. More»

Maintenance reskedded to accommodate information flow

(NEWSER) - Twitter has pushed back work that would have taken the site offline to avoid disrupting the flow of information from Iran, Computer World reports. The site, which has proven to be a vital link between Iranian protesters and the rest of the world, will now be offline 2 to 3 pm Pacific time for essential maintenance, leaving the channels of communication clear during daylight hours in Tehran. More»

(NEWSER) - Erupting protests over Iranian elections may be the first political upheaval tweeted from beginning to end, as demonstrators keep up a running account of what's happening, reports CNN. "My friend saying more than 100 students arrested. Bastards just attacked us for no reason. I lost count of how much tear gas they launched at us!" said one of several breathless posts over the weekend. More»

Twitter users blast network's paltry coverage during riots

(NEWSER) - Twitter has already become a go-to place for breaking news, but the micro-blogging site assumed the role of media watchdog over the weekend, reports the New York Times. As riots protesting Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s victory began to heat up in Tehran—and CNN aired a Larry King repeat about American Chopper rather than images of bloody students—tweets labeled #CNNFail began to fly. More»