How Iranians get around the internet blackout despite the risks and cost

Since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Iranian authorities have sharply restricted access to the internet.

According to NetBlocks, a group that monitors internet access worldwide, Iran has experienced a near-total blackout for 20 consecutive days. Connectivity has dropped to less than one percent.

For those trying to access the internet, options are limited. Some rely on Starlink, which is not widely used.

The equipment is expensive and difficult to import. Iranians also believe is easier for the authorities to detect.

Others turn to VPNs (virtual private networks) and custom configurations that can be installed on their phones to mask traffic and bypass censorship.

Read more: How Iranians get around the internet blackout despite the risks and cost