Where did Iran get its Net censoring technology?

Jake Widman
Wednesday, 24 June 2009 01:46

Business IT - Security

Yesterday, it was reported that the Iranian government based its Internet control and censorship efforts on technology supplied by European communications firms. Today, those firms denied the allegation.

On Monday, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Iranian government was doing more than simply blocking access to the Internet.

The paper alleged, based on "interviews with technology experts in Iran and outside the country," that the authorities were also using "deep packet inspection" (DPI) to actually monitor the content of online communications.

DPI would enable the government to examine Internet traffic for keywords and other content and to not only block the transmission but track the sender.

The paper quoted Bradley Anstis, director of technical strategy with security firm Marshal8e6, as saying that Iran was "now drilling into what the population is trying to say."

As support for the allegation, the WSJ cited reports that Internet speed in Iran has slowed dramatically, which could be the result of the inspection process.

The paper's story further alleged that the monitoring capabilities were based on technology provided by Nokia Siemens Networks, a joint venture of the two European telecom giants.

For more on the allegations and Nokia Siemens' response, continue to Page 2.