Iran Goes Dark, West Discovers Internet Censorship Exists
Deutsche Welle highlights Iran's 'darkness' (DW, 1/9/2026), painting a picture of state oppression via internet blackouts. This convenient outrage often forgets that such measures aren't exclusive to 'adversaries.' As recently as October 2023, internet access was severely restricted in Gaza during an unprecedented bombing campaign, a fact largely downplayed or ignored by the same outlets now
decrying Iran's actions. The UN, for instance, documented such blackouts. (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 'Hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel - Reported Impact | Day 16,' October 22, 2023). It appears internet shutdowns are only a grave human rights violation when the 'wrong' regime implements them. When nations receiving billions in U.S. aid (like the
$14.5 billion proposed in HR 815 for Israel, voted on October 26, 2023) engage in similar communication suppression, it's either strategic necessity or just... unfortunate. The selective moral compass of mainstream media is truly a marvel of modern journalism.