Iran International
As Iran endures a nationwide internet shutdown in the wake of the deadliest crackdown on protestors in decades, families abroad are using satellite television to try to reach loved ones cut off from the outside world.
A Telegram-based chatbot run by Iran International allows users to submit short messages that may be aired on television, defying the blackout.
The chatbot was launched in late December, shortly before protests spread across Iranian cities and was meant to collect photos, videos and testimonials from people inside Iran. Now the information is flowing in the other direction.
Before the shutdown, the network said it was receiving more than 10 messages a minute from users inside Iran, many of them sending videos and first-hand accounts of protests and arrests.
The tool was a key means of relaying events inside Iran to the outside world, as foreign media continue to face tight restrictions on reporting from the country and the internet shutdown which began on January 8 largely cut off that flow of information.
A tool repurposed
With most global websites blocked, social media unavailable and SMS messaging down, many people inside Iran have little or no access to the internet. Some can still make international phone calls, but the connections are unstable and expensive.
People outside Iran are mostly unable to call into the country at all.
As a result, families abroad have begun using the chatbot to send short personal messages, hoping their relatives inside the country will see them on the satellite broadcasts which are one of the few means of getting information from outside.
The network displays a QR code during live programs. Viewers outside Iran can scan it or use the Telegram handle @intlmedia_bot to submit messages, some of which are then shown on air.
Since the shutdown began, the chatbot has received more than 60,000 messages, according to the broadcaster.
How the system works
The network said it has long relied on staff to review and verify user-submitted material, but introduced automated tools to help manage the growing volume of messages.
Mahdi Tajik, an editorial lead at Iran International, said the system does not store personal data, an issue that many users worry about during periods of unrest.
Tajik said the idea of using the chatbot to relay family messages emerged after the internet shutdown cut off millions of Iranians abroad from their relatives.
“Within a day, hundreds of messages came in,” he said. “Many people were worried about their families. Many spoke about hope and about freedom being near.”
Some users inside Iran who managed to briefly connect to the internet told the network that seeing the messages had given them comfort, he added.
'My dear husband ...'
Many of the notes are addressed clearly to specific people, often including names, cities and family details.
“My dear husband, Shabnam and I are fine. I hope you are well in Behbahan,” one message read.
Another said: “Marjan from New Zealand ... I hope you are okay. I found no way to reach you. I hope you see this message.”
A third listed several names: “Hello to Parvin, Giti, Fereshteh, Farzaneh, Houshang, Mohsen, Alireza. I am worried about you all. I hope for our beloved Iran and to see you again. Mohammad, Canada.”
Another woman wrote: “Sister Leila, my beautiful Helia and Helena. I love you so much. I am very worried about you and miss you. Take care of yourselves and our whole family. Parinaz from San Diego.”
Editors say many of the notes come from people whose spouses, parents or children are inside Iran with no way to communicate.
The messages often focus on reassuring loved ones rather than grim news events.
Pressure on access
Satellite television remains one of the few ways information can still enter Iran. Authorities, however, have sought to limit access in some areas, including by seizing satellite dishes, according to people familiar with the situation.
At the same time, Iranians abroad have taken to the streets in cities across Europe, North America and Australia to show support for protesters at home, holding rallies and vigils and calling for international pressure on Tehran.
The messages sent through the chatbot do not allow two-way communication, and there is no guarantee they will be seen by their intended recipients.
Still, for families separated by borders and the internet shutdown, they offer one of the few remaining ways to penetrate the current digital iron curtain.
