[47117] Internet Restrictions in Iran: The Black Market for Free Access is Flourishing
[47117] Internet Restrictions in Iran: The Black Market for Free Access is Flourishing
Reports in Iran point to the growth of a black market for internet access, where high sums are charged to iPhone owners for basic operations.
The Black Market for Unfiltered Internet in Iran
Following the continued "internet restrictions" in Iran, a new black market has emerged, exploiting the lack of free access to the network. According to a report by Iran International, known for its oppositional editorial line and criticism of the regime in Tehran, mobile phone shops have begun offering "unfiltered internet" services for a fee, using "white SIM cards" that allow for temporary connection to the network.
The report notes that customers wishing to purchase and activate new iPhones are forced to pay between 300,000 and 500,000 tomans for just ten minutes of connection. This amount is required for "initial device activation and Apple ID verification," an action that is not possible under the current network restrictions in the country.
The news has also received resonance in other local news channels, including خبرفوری جنگ🚨اخبارفوری امریکا فوری, خبرفوری | اخبارجنگ فوری آمریکا, اخبارفوری خبرفوری جنگ امریکا حمله, and اخبارفوری خبرفوری جنگ امریکا فوری. According to these reports, the phenomenon has become an economic burden on technology consumers, who are forced to rely on what is known as a "white line" or "pro internet" to bypass government digital censorship.
The data highlights that the strict policy of the authorities in Iran not only blocks information but has also created an underground economy around the most basic services necessary for operating modern smart devices.