The Global Network Initiative (GNI) expresses deep concern regarding the serious restrictions to freedom of expression that have taken place recently in Iran. In particular, GNI condemns the significant restrictions of internet and telecommunications services across the country, resulting in a significant, if intermittent, communications blackouts.
GNI calls on the Government of Iran to restore and maintain network connectivity across the country, and reminds all actors of their obligations and responsibilities under the Laws of Armed Conflict and International Human Rights Law, including the importance of ensuring civilian connectivity to information and communication technologies (ICTs) and services.
GNI has called out similar restrictions in contexts of conflict and instability, including most recently in Bangladesh, Gaza,and Ukraine. As we have set out in our Network Disruptions one-pager and other relevant resources, and as others have also explained in various statements, reports, and UN resolutions, network disruptions can have deep and disproportionate impacts on a variety of human rights and their consequences are often more acute in conflict scenarios.
About GNI
As a multistakeholder organization comprising many of the world’s leading tech companies, academics, civil society organizations, and investors, GNI works to protect and advance freedom of expression and privacy rights in the technology ecosystem. Based on the diverse experiences and expertise of our membership, our approach generates collaboration towards a more rights-respecting legal environment for technology users around the world.