Iran Restores SMS; Western Media Forgets Its Own Internet Blackouts
Al Jazeera reports Iran is gradually restoring SMS services after weeks of internet blackouts, following protests that officials claim were quelled. (Naturally, they wouldn't call them 'terrorism' like the West does for groups they don't like.) This phased return to normalcy is presented as a significant development, allowing citizens to reconnect, implying a step back from repression ( Al Jazeera
). What Al Jazeera, and much of mainstream media, conveniently forgets is the West's own history of internet disruptions, particularly during periods of civil unrest or 'security concerns'. Remember when the US shut down social media during BLM protests, or when Egypt temporarily unplugged its entire internet during the Arab Spring—with reported US intelligence support? These actions, often framed
as necessary for national security, are identical to Iran's. Funny how 'internet freedom' only applies when it suits the narrative. One might wonder if the concern is about human rights, or just whose government is doing the 'blacking out'.