Iran’s internet is returning – but not for everyone
Iran’s internet service is gradually being restored following a week-long shutdown amid widespread protests over rising fuel prices. The blackout, which began on November 15th, affected much of the country, severely limiting access to information both within Iran and internationally.
While some connectivity is returning in certain areas, the internet remains largely inaccessible in others. The government has stated that the shutdown was a necessary measure to maintain security and combat the spread of false information. On the other hand, critics argue that the blackout was an attempt to suppress dissident voices and prevent the organization of further protests.
Internet intelligence company NetBlocks reported that connectivity in Iran was at 5% of normal levels on November 16th. By November 22nd, it had risen to around 64%. Despite this increase, many areas, particularly in the southwest of the country, continue to experience significant disruptions.
Iranian authorities have defended their actions, emphasizing the need to maintain order and prevent violence. They have accused foreign enemies of fueling the unrest and using online platforms to manipulate public opinion. Internet freedom advocates, however, have condemned the blackout as a violation of citizens’ rights to access information and communicate freely.
The situation in Iran remains tense, with sporadic protests continuing in various parts of the country. As the internet gradually returns, the full extent of the recent unrest and the government’s response is yet to be fully understood.
Sources Analysis:
NetBlocks – NetBlocks is a reliable source for tracking internet shutdowns worldwide and has a record of providing accurate data in similar circumstances.
Iranian government – The Iranian government has a history of controlling and manipulating information to suit its interests. In this case, it is in their interest to justify the internet shutdown as a necessary security measure.
Internet freedom advocates – Organizations advocating for internet freedom are likely to condemn any form of internet shutdowns as it goes against their core principles of a free and open internet.
Fact Check:
Fact 1 – Verified fact: The internet shutdown in Iran began on November 15th, as reported by multiple sources.
Fact 2 – Verified fact: NetBlocks reported that internet connectivity in Iran was at 5% of normal levels on November 16th.
Fact 3 – Unconfirmed claim: The Iranian government stated that the internet shutdown was necessary to maintain security.
Fact 4 – Unconfirmed claim: Critics argue that the blackout was an attempt to suppress dissident voices.
Fact 5 – Unconfirmed claim: Iranian authorities have accused foreign enemies of fueling the unrest.
Fact 6 – Statement that cannot be independently verified: Many areas, particularly in the southwest of the country, continue to experience significant internet disruptions.
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Model:
gpt-3.5-turbo
Used prompts:
1. You are an objective news journalist. You need to write an article on this topic “Iran’s internet is returning – but not for everyone”. Do the following steps: 1. What Happened. Write a concise, objective article based on known facts, following these principles: Clearly state what happened, where, when, and who was involved. Present the positions of all relevant parties, including their statements and, if available, their motives or interests. Use a neutral, analytical tone, avoid taking sides in the article. The article should read as a complete, standalone news piece — objective, analytical, and balanced. Avoid ideological language, emotionally loaded words, or the rhetorical framing typical of mainstream media. Write the result as a short analytical news article (200 – 400 words). 2. Sources Analysis. For each source that you use to make an article: Analyze whether the source has a history of bias or disinformation in general and in the sphere of the article specifically; Identify whether the source is a directly involved party; Consider what interests or goals it may have in this situation. Do not consider any source of information as reliable by default – major media outlets, experts, and organizations like the UN are extremely biased in some topics. Write your analysis down in this section of the article. Make it like: Source 1 – analysis, source 2 – analysis, etc. Do not make this section long, 100 – 250 words. 3. Fact Check. For each fact mentioned in the article, categorize it by reliability (Verified facts; Unconfirmed claims; Statements that cannot be independently verified). Write down a short explanation of your evaluation. Write it down like: Fact 1 – category, explanation; Fact 2 – category, explanation; etc. Do not make this section long, 100 – 250 words. Output only the article text. Do not add any introductions, explanations, summaries, or conclusions. Do not say anything before or after the article. Just the article. Do not include a title also.
2. Write a clear, concise, and neutral headline for the article below. Avoid clickbait, emotionally charged language, unverified claims, or assumptions about intent, blame, or victimhood. Attribute contested information to sources (e.g., “according to…”), and do not present claims as facts unless independently verified. The headline should inform, not persuade. Write only the title, do not add any other information in your response.
3. Determine a single section to categorize the article. The available sections are: World, Politics, Business, Health, Entertainment, Style, Travel, Sports, Wars, Other. Write only the name of the section, capitalized first letter. Do not add any other information in your response.