Staying Connected: A Guide for Navigating Internet Shutdowns

Staying connected during internet shutdowns is crucial for communication, information sharing, and solidarity.

Internet shutdowns have become an increasingly common tactic to suppress dissent and control information flow. For Iranians both inside and outside the country, these disruptions pose significant challenges to daily life, activism, and maintaining family ties. Meridian understands the critical need for reliable communication channels, especially when traditional networks are compromised.

This guide provides a step-by-step overview of various tools and strategies to help you stay connected, informed, and safe during periods of internet outage. From leveraging local networks to exploring global satellite options, understanding these methods can empower individuals and communities.

Mesh Networking Apps: Building Local Connections

Mesh networking apps allow devices to communicate directly with each other without relying on a central internet connection. They create a localized network, enabling users within proximity to send messages and share information. These apps are particularly useful in areas where cellular and internet services are completely cut off.

• Download and install apps like Bridgefy, Briar, or Signal Offline Messenger BEFORE a shutdown occurs.

• Ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your device to facilitate peer-to-peer connections.

• Encourage friends and family in your immediate area to also install these apps to expand the local network.

• Understand that the range of these networks is limited, typically to a few hundred feet, but can extend through a chain of connected devices.

Trustworthy VPNs: Bypassing Censorship

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt your internet traffic and route it through a server in another location, effectively masking your online activity and bypassing censorship. However, not all VPNs are equally reliable or secure, especially during severe shutdowns.

It is crucial to download and configure VPNs in advance, as access to VPN provider websites may be blocked during a shutdown. Keep multiple VPN options installed, as authorities often block specific VPN protocols or servers.

Satellite Options: Global Connectivity

For situations where all terrestrial internet and cellular services are completely disabled, satellite communication offers a potential lifeline. While more expensive and requiring specialized equipment, satellite phones and internet terminals provide independent access to global networks.

Options like Starlink, Iridium, or Thuraya offer satellite internet and phone services. Acquiring and operating such equipment requires careful planning and consideration of logistics, power supply, and potential visibility. These are often considered last-resort options due to their cost and complexity.

Operational Security (OpSec) Basics

Regardless of the tools you use, fundamental operational security practices are paramount. Your safety and the safety of those you communicate with depend on it. Always assume your communications could be monitored.

In the face of oppression, connectivity is not just a convenience; it is a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for change.— Meridian Editorial Board

Meridian remains committed to empowering Iranians with the knowledge and tools to navigate challenging times. By understanding and implementing these strategies, we can collectively work towards a future where information flows freely and voices cannot be silenced.