Iran Judiciary Orders Probe into Illegal Sale of SIM Cards Amid Internet Blackout

Iran's judiciary chief, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Eje'i, ordered the attorney-general to investigate reports of illegal sales of 'white SIM cards' that allow unrestricted internet access. The order came amid an ongoing internet blackout in Iran that has lasted 59 days.

Mohseni-Eje'i stated on his official X account that these SIM cards should only be allocated to individuals and groups with specific qualifications. He added that his office received reports of discriminatory and corrupt allocation for financial benefit.

The BBC's Farsi-language outlet reported that most of these SIM cards are provided to individuals close to or affiliated with the government.

Internet monitor NetBlocks reported that the blackout reached its 59th day, following 1392 hours of near-total disconnection from the outside world. NetBlocks described the shutdown as prolonged and ongoing. Mohammad Mehdi Tabatabaei, deputy for communications and information in the Iranian president's office, stated on X that President Masoud Pezeshkian is opposed to restricting public access to international internet.

Tabatabaei noted that specialized references highlight risks of reopening internet access under wartime conditions.

Tabatabaei mentioned the Internet Pro project, approved by the Supreme National Security Council, as a temporary solution for essential global internet access with limited capacity and user base. He stated that discussions of revenue generation from the project are misguided.

Tabatabaei added that authorities, including the Shomam Specialized Committee, the Ministry of Communications, and the National Center for Cyberspace, have a duty to explain the situation to the public but have not done so adequately.