What Happened
Developing Tools To Counter Repressive Regimes
The US demonstrated impressive combat power in the conflict with Iran, but was unprepared to help Iranian civilians combat their government’s repressive tactics when the internet was shut down. The US government must develop plans to enable civilians to freely communicate in any country where a shutdown is possible. The internet played a crucial role in driving Iranian protests, and the regime’s shutdown of the internet was a key tactic to repress dissent. The US should work with the private sector to organize a campaign to enable civilians in authoritarian countries to circumvent everyday restrictions and potential future shutdowns, as reported by Breaking Defense.