Internet filtering in Iran has become one of the most complex and serious social and economic issues. This policy has not only affected citizens’ daily lives but also challenged public perceptions of trust and transparency in governance. In this report, we visited Enghelab Street, one of the busiest areas in Tehran, to speak with various groups of people and examine the impacts and consequences of filtering on different aspects of their lives.

Below is the detailed interview conducted by Peace Mark Monthly Magazine with several residents of Tehran:

Life Problems Under the Shadow of Filtering

One of the first consequences of internet filtering is the wide range of difficulties it has created in people’s personal and professional lives. These problems span from accessing educational and scientific information to disruptions in online businesses.

A graduate student in engineering standing near the University of Tehran spoke about the challenges he faces in his studies:
“We heavily rely on online academic resources. Many articles and tools that are freely available at universities worldwide are inaccessible to us. Even ‘Google Scholar,’ a standard scientific search engine, often doesn’t work properly. Once, I had to ask two friends abroad to help me obtain an article. This situation is really exhausting.”

A young woman selling her handmade crafts on Enghelab Street shared a different experience:
“Online advertising through Instagram was a major part of my business. When Instagram was filtered, it was like losing half of my customers. Now, I have to rely on old-fashioned methods like printing business cards to find clients. These methods are not only time-consuming but also far less effective. My income has almost halved since these stricter filters were implemented.”

The issues aren’t limited to professional or academic aspects. A retired teacher, who is part of a social group on Telegram, nostalgically described the diminishing quality of social relationships:
“We used to chat every evening in a Telegram group, reviving old memories. But now, due to Telegram’s sluggish performance or access problems, many friends are no longer active. These policies are even destroying human connections.”

Circumventing Filtering: An Added Expense

To bypass internet filtering, people have turned to various tools, each with its own set of challenges and costs.

A man who introduced himself as an employee at a private company said:
“To access international websites or even read the news, I have to use a VPN. But these tools are not always reliable. Sometimes their speed is so low that you can’t view anything. The monthly costs are another issue—it feels like we’re paying for something that’s our natural right.”

A digital goods vendor on Bozorgmehr Street discussed the growing demand for VPNs:
“These days, almost all customers ask about installing or purchasing VPNs. Selling ‘VPNs’ has become a big market, with everyone from teenagers to large corporations needing them. Some even want advanced versions installed on their computers or phones, which cost more.”

Another employee from a private company shared his concerns about using VPNs with Peace Mark Monthly Magazine:
“In our company, we use foreign servers to access unrestricted internet, but we’re always worried about sensitive company information being compromised during this process. These issues only waste our time and energy.”

Filtering: Control or Economic Gain?

The debate over the main purpose of internet filtering has become one of the most controversial topics among citizens. Responses usually fall into two main viewpoints: “information control” and “economic profit.”

A political science student criticized the policy, saying:
“Filtering is a tool of control. The government doesn’t want people to access information that might differ from the official narrative. This approach is entirely political and aims to limit public awareness.”

However, another person, a mobile repair technician, had a different opinion:
“In my view, it’s more about money. When everyone has to buy VPNs, those behind this business make a profit. It’s possible that the same people who impose the filters are also involved in selling tools to bypass them.”

One indirect consequence of filtering is the creation of a booming market for VPN sales. Even children and teenagers are being drawn into this market. A mother of a 12-year-old student explained:
“My son needs unrestricted internet for online games. He’s learned how to install a VPN himself. I’m really worried that these tools might access his information or cause other problems, but we have no choice.”

Public Trust Under Threat

One of the most significant impacts of filtering is the erosion of public trust. Many interviewees mentioned that current policies have deepened the divide between the people and the government.

A digital marketing professional commented:
“These policies show that the government is indifferent to people’s real needs. When you can’t even access your basic rights, like open internet, it’s only natural to lose trust in the authorities.”

A housewife expressed a similar view:
“These restrictions have made people feel like their opinions don’t matter. When even scientific websites are filtered, what more can you expect?”

Filtering and the Future of Society

While filtering has created numerous short-term problems in people’s lives, its long-term consequences may be even more profound. Sociologists warn that these policies could lead to a loss of social cohesion and increased public dissatisfaction.

Internet filtering in Iran is a multifaceted issue with clear social, economic, and political dimensions. This policy has not only restricted access to information and communication but also created a new market for tools that bypass these restrictions. At the same time, it has increased public mistrust and deepened social divisions.

If this trend continues, the impacts of filtering may extend beyond technological limitations and become one of the main factors driving public discontent. The situation calls for serious reevaluation and solutions that address the real needs of the people and rebuild public trust.