How Washington can help Iranians prepare for the next internet blackout

Excerpt

As the internet went dark in Iran on Jan. 8, the slaughter began. The regime committed unprecedented violence, killing possibly more than 30,000 Iranians, most during the first two days of the blackout. Weeks later, as families mourn, Iranians are just now beginning to regain limited, censored access.

But while the Islamic Republic may be turning the internet on, the regime will certainly throttle communications the next time its citizens take to the streets. To ensure that the cries of Iranians do not go unheard, the United States can and should expand internet access in the country.

Bridget Toomey is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies where Thomas Gormley is an intern.