From Dw · · 1m 40s
Iran blocks SIM cards to silence dissent
Iran blocks SIM cards to silence dissent.
In brief
Iran blocks SIM cards to silence dissent. Iran blocks SIM cards to silence dissent online and offline after protests began in late December 2025. Originally reported by Dw.
Iran blocks SIM cards
Iran blocks SIM cards to silence dissent online and offline after protests began in late December 2025.
SIM cards block digital life
In Iran, cell phone numbers are a key tool for digital identity verification and access to banking, judicial, administrative and insurance services.
Sina's SIM blocked
Sina, a 25-year-old university student, said his SIM card was disconnected after he tried to book a taxi and was interrogated for six hours.
Sina's pledge required
Sina said he had to sign a pledge expressing remorse for activist activities and publish posts supporting the Islamic Republic to prove his brotherhood with the system.
Sorour's SIM blocked
Sorour, a 41-year-old translator in Tehran, said her SIM card was disconnected after she was interrogated about Instagram and X activities critical of authorities.
Mina's SIM blocked
Mina, a 63-year-old in Isfahan, said her SIM card and national ID were blocked after she refused to comply with an IO-IRGC summons.
Zia Nabavi's SIM blocked
Zia Nabavi, a former political prisoner, said his SIM card was disconnected while he needed access to banking text messages at a doctor's office.
Reyhaneh Saeedi's SIM blocked
Reyhaneh Saeedi, a physician and activist, said her SIM card was blocked for months, preventing her from practicing medicine and renewing licenses.
Iran's digital pressure
Iran uses SIM card disconnections as part of a broader strategy to pressure opponents, critics, journalists and activists over the past four decades.
Here's the gist
Iran blocks SIM cards to silence dissent online and offline after protests began in late December 2025.
