Iran Plans to Use Chinese Hardware for Internet Restrictions

Iranian authorities plan to install hardware imported from China to restrict public internet access, according to Iranian state media cited by RFE/RL. The equipment would allow only tightly monitored connections for a limited number of users. -Israeli attacks in February. Those measures have largely cut Iranians off from the web and altered the country's economy.

Last year, WIRED reported that a Chinese company with ties to state censors had sold similar equipment in Ethiopia, Myanmar, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan. The current procurement extends that pattern of technology transfer. One researcher described the development as very frightening in comments to WIRED.