Iranians cross border to Turkey for internet access

Cross-Border Exodus

Iranians have increasingly crossed into Turkey to access the internet amid a severe domestic blackout. The internet shutdown in Iran, which intensified after U.S. and Israeli strikes on January 8, 2026, has led to near-total disruption of domestic connectivity. The government has severed most internet and phone services, a measure consistent with its historical approach to internet control during protests and wartime. According to Wikipedia, Iran’s censorship system blocks over 5 million websites, with the Internet Filtering Committee and Supreme Council of Cyberspace overseeing these restrictions. The 2019 protests saw internet traffic drop to 5% of normal levels, and similar measures were imposed in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini, which included blocking social media platforms. The current blackout, however, is more extensive, with authorities reportedly disconnecting access for 92 million citizens, as reported by diaspora networks and international observers.

Communication Barriers

The blackout has created significant communication barriers, hindering Iranians’ ability to access news, coordinate during strikes, and stay in contact with loved ones. Abbas Milani, a Stanford professor, has labeled the shutdown a war crime, arguing it endangers public safety and harms businesses reliant on platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram. The disruption has also stalled economic activity, as many Iranians depend on digital tools for work and commerce. This has prompted a mass exodus of citizens seeking alternative internet access, with Turkey becoming a primary destination.

Border Crossings

“Abbas Milani, a Stanford professor, has labeled the shutdown a war crime, arguing it endangers public safety and harms businesses reliant on platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram.”

Iranians are traveling to Turkey, particularly the Van Province near the border, to access Wi-Fi. Families and individuals drive through snow-covered mountains to reach these border regions, where they pay exit taxes and stay for days to use internet services. The demand for cross-border connectivity has surged since January, when internet shutdowns and arrests of demonstrators began. Black-market internet solutions, such as Starlink devices, have become prohibitively expensive, with smuggled units priced at around $700. These devices are often jammed by military-grade interference, rendering them unreliable. Similarly, white SIMs, government-approved cards sold by some vendors, are costly and considered counter-revolutionary, with possession punishable by up to two years in prison.

Risks of Border Crossings

Crossing into Turkey carries significant risks, including heavy border patrols and the threat of detention or interrogation for returning Iranians. Informants are suspected to blend with crowds in cities like Van, leading many to avoid being recorded. Despite these dangers, some Iranians, such as a woman who regularly travels to video call her son in western Turkey, describe the regime’s suppression of their voices as a direct consequence of the internet blackout. “Without internet access, we cannot talk for ourselves,” she said, highlighting the personal toll of the government’s censorship policies. The situation has also driven a surge in demand for black-market internet services, with Vodafone salespersons in Van reporting a sharp increase in Iranian customers seeking alternative connectivity.

Diaspora-Driven Networks

In response to the government’s restrictions, a diaspora-driven network has emerged to circumvent internet shutdowns. Approximately 400,000 Iranians abroad are using the Conduit app, a peer-to-peer tool that allows users to share their internet connections with those inside Iran. This initiative, reported by Iran Intl, is part of broader efforts to maintain communication during the blackout. Psiphon’s director, Ali Tehrani, emphasized the importance of such networks at a Washington rally, noting they provide a critical lifeline for Iranians unable to access the internet domestically. The Conduit app operates by enabling users to share mobile data or Wi-Fi connections, creating a decentralized network of access.

Circumvention Tools

Beyond Conduit, Iranians are also relying on tools like Psiphand Tor to bypass government firewalls. However, the regime has intensified efforts to block these technologies, leading to increased surveillance and crackdowns on users. Many face detention or fines for using unauthorized services. Despite these challenges, the diaspora’s efforts to maintain connectivity underscore the desperation of Iranians to access information and communicate with the outside world. The persistence of these networks highlights the resilience of a population under extreme digital repression.

Digital Isolation Strategy

Iran’s government has implemented a multifaceted strategy to isolate its citizens from global internet access, including the National Information Network (NIN), a domestic intranet designed to limit external connectivity. This system requires security clearance for access to global networks, part of a broader effort to create a ‘digital fortress’ shielding the country from foreign influence. The NIN is complemented by a tiered system restricting access to international platforms, further tightening control over information flow. According to a Chatham House report, the government’s actions signal a long-term shift toward digital isolation, with foreign telecom companies withdrawing from the market in response to the restrictive environment.

Surveillance and Crackdowns

“‘Without internet access, we cannot talk for ourselves,’ she said, highlighting the personal toll of the government’s censorship policies.”

The government’s crackdown on internet access has also targeted Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which are now considered part of a broader effort to block citizens’ access to foreign media. The Supreme Council of Cyberspace has issued directives to monitor and disrupt these services, making it increasingly difficult for Iranians to bypass censorship. This strategy has drawn criticism from international observers, who argue it violates the right to access information and stifles free expression. Despite these measures, the persistence of circumvention tools and cross-border connectivity efforts demonstrates the resilience of Iranians in the face of government repression.

Human and Societal Impact

The internet blackout has had profound human and societal consequences, exacerbating already dire conditions in Iran. Families are separated, with many unable to communicate with relatives abroad due to restricted access. Small businesses, particularly those reliant on digital platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram, have suffered significant losses as the shutdown has disrupted operations. The economic impact is compounded by the government’s reliance on internet restrictions to maintain control, leading to a decline in foreign investment and international trade.

Psychological Toll

The psychological toll on Iranians is equally severe. Many describe the regime’s suppression of their voices as a form of cultural and political erasure, with the internet serving as a vital tool for self-expression and connection. ‘Without internet access, we cannot talk for ourselves,‘ one woman said, echoing the sentiments of many who have fled the country to regain their freedom of speech. The government’s actions have also led to increased surveillance and fear among citizens, with many avoiding online activity to evade detection. The situation underscores the broader implications of digital repression, highlighting how the denial of internet access can be used as a tool of control, suppression, and economic harm.