Iranians can send text messages for the first time since the lockdown was introduced

In Iran, access to the global Internet remains blocked for the tenth day in a row, but from Saturday, Iranians can send text messages for the first time since the introduction of the blockade, say residents of Tehran, quoted by the dpa news agency. SMS messages sent from abroad are not received in Iran.

Until now, all messaging services were blocked. Thanks to the new regulations, you can use online banking again. Two-factor authentication via SMS is required for this purpose.

Since last weekend, users also have access to the national intranet. This only allows you to use state-controlled sites. Services from abroad remain blocked.

The Netblocks organization, which specializes in monitoring internet censorship, reports that internet access in Iran has been almost completely cut off since January 8.

The wave of protests in Iran began on December 28 after a sharp decline in the value of the local currency. Demonstrations – initially related to the economic situation and inflation – spread to all provinces, taking on an anti-government character. They were also aimed at the clerics who have ruled Iran for 45 years. The authorities responded with brutal repression. Thousands of people died: according to HRANA, there were at least 2,435 deaths; other centers estimate that more than 3,000 people died. up to 20 thousand people. (PAP)

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