SUBJECT LINE: Digital Iran Reloaded: Iranian Gamer Mitigation Tactics of IRI Information Controls– Monthly Report – February 2024
About the project
My research aims to show the types of censorship circumvention techniques Iranian gamers use and thereafter clarify the gaps between commonly used censorship circumvention tools in the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI). To do so, I will interview Iranian gamers to contextualize their circumvention strategies with VPNs commonly supported and created within the internet freedom community by testing these varied circumvention techniques.
Additionally, I will cross-analyze my findings with the IRI’s internet tiering system that consequently segregates users based on status, ultimately determining the level of access for each individual citizen. Through this lens, I will study internet connectivity and how the so-called “protection bill” is enforcing tiering to mitigate user access and acts of protest in Iran.
The main goal is therefore to produce a solution for better assisting high-risk internet users in Iran, while also highlighting issues of internet access implemented by the IRI. Another broader impact includes providing valuable information to the circumvention tools developer community and internet policy makers, at a global level.
PUBLIC
Activities during February 2022
- Began phase one of the research by reaching out to previous participants from my dissertation research. By reconnecting with known tech-savvy gamers, I have identified who will be able to participate in the research with potential opportunities to connect with new participants. I learned about their current authentication issues with accessing game content on PC and game consoles, which was an IP issue due to sanctions rather than IRI information controls. This afforded me the opportunity to reestablish a connection with the participants as a researcher as a trust building exercise.
- Purchased and established security protocols with proper equipment solely dedicated to the research in accordance with OTF and the host organization the Miaan Group. I will begin semi-structured interviews on sensitive subject matter with direct regards to the IRI’s methods of suppression and conduct snowball sampling in March.
I am happy to also share that I have applied to the following:
- ICD event related to circumvention tools and VPNs.
- Keystone DH conference to workshop methodologies and Digital Iran website.
- One article proposal that’s based on teaching research methodologies and censorship subject matter to students.
I am excited about these potential opportunities as it will allow me to think deeply about the nascent stages of the research with intellectuals and broader audiences in and outside the internet freedom community. I also believe it will lead to stimulating conversations and networking with professionals.
Activities for next month
During March, I will continue phase one of the research by conducting semi-structured interviews with users on their experiences with VPNs, other censorship circumvention tactics, filtering, etc. that have potentially improved issues with ping/latency and access. I will use snowball sampling as a recruitment strategy.
In some cases, I will have the opportunity to observe some participants online gaming, which may yield some quandaries related to access and ping/latency in real-time. Participants will use Signal screenshare from their PC if/when necessary and possible.
I will also be recommending sites and apps related to the project to test with Miaan and OONI, which will offer additional data regarding access and blocking in Iran.