Research: Iran Censoring Internet Somewhat

We’ve heard a lot about Twitter, YouTube and other Internet sites that have spread the word about what’s happening in Iran the last few days. But don’t assume the Internet is providing the world with all of the information.

A new report from Arbor Networks says Iran’s Data Communication Company (DCI) is manipulating Internet traffic flow to and from the Middle Eastern country.

The researcher used data from more than 100 ISPs to form his conclusions. Iran, of course, provided no data. On Sunday, June 13, the day after the election, Iranian traffic hit a virtual standstill. It came back slightly a few hours later and only returned to about 70 percent of normal by Tuesday.

Iran can’t completely turn off the Internet because it has important business ties with much of the world.