Iranian Software Engineer's Experience and the Impact of Regulations
Overview
- Explore how sweeping international sanctions impose harsh limits on Iran's vibrant tech community, stifling innovation and discouraging talented developers.
- Highlight specific, concrete examples of digital blackouts—such as blocked access to platforms and services—that dramatically affect individual lives and careers.
- Argue passionately that these restrictions are not only unjust but also counterproductive, undermining Iran's potential in the global technological landscape and disrespecting the fundamental rights of its citizens.
Immersive Personal Experiences of Iranian Tech Developers
In Iran, dedicated engineers like Avestura battle an almost dystopian landscape shaped by relentless sanctions and systematic censorship. They are driven by a desire to innovate, yet find themselves thwarted at every turn. For example, he painstakingly developed EyesGuard and uploaded it to the Microsoft Store, hoping to contribute to global cybersecurity solutions. However, overnight, that achievement was erased—his app, his account, even the supportive comments vanished without explanation. This isn’t merely inconvenient; it’s a near-total shutdown of his creative efforts. Similarly, when his prized Notion workspace was wiped out solely because of sanctions targeting Iran, it vividly highlighted how these policies act as barriers—crushing individual initiative. These concrete incidents, more than abstract policies, vividly illustrate how global restrictions kill creativity and stunt the growth of Iran’s thriving tech community, turning talented individuals into silenced voices behind invisible walls.
The Injustice of Restrictions: Targeting Innocence, Not Policy
What makes these policies even more troubling is their broad, indiscriminate nature—punishing innocent citizens while avoiding accountability from governments. For instance, Iranian users on platforms like GitLab face their accounts being frozen indefinitely, making collaborative work impossible. Personal blogs and websites also fall victim, with messages accusing them of supporting undesirable actions—often baseless—to justify censorship. These draconian measures are justified by international authorities as sanctions but, in reality, they appear designed to punish Iran’s population rather than its leadership. Imagine a young Iranian coder eager to participate in open-source projects, suddenly denied access, her potential cut off overnight. These policies don’t just restrict; they ostracize, creating a digital apartheid that denies Iran’s talented youth the opportunity to grow and contribute. The core principle that access to technology should be a fundamental right is blatantly ignored in these sweeping restrictions, which only deepen divides and fuel resentment.
Underlying Geopolitical Motives and Human Rights Violations
Behind these seemingly technical restrictions lies a tangled web of geopolitical agendas and human rights concerns. As Avestura points out, Iran’s ruling minority—an opaque and oppressive regime—clings to power through repression and censorship. International sanctions—such as the US’s comprehensive bans on Iranian shipping, banking, and digital services—are often justified as measures to impede Iran’s military ambitions, but they serve to entrench repression and marginalize everyday Iranians. For example, these bans hamper innovators from accessing global platforms necessary for growth; they block progress just as surely as they block information. The narrative that sanctions are about security conveniently overlooks their devastating effects—blocking Iran’s youth from contributing and connecting with the world. It’s akin to imprisoning an entire generation, silencing the voices that could drive positive change, and turning the global digital arena into a space of exclusion and despair.
Advocacy for Empathy, Fairness, and Constructive Engagement
Avestura’s heartfelt appeal calls for a fundamental shift—toward policies rooted in human empathy and justice. Imagine a future where Iranian developers are free to collaborate, share ideas, and innovate alongside their international counterparts without fear of censorship or blackouts. Such a future is not only necessary but also achievable if policies focus on fostering understanding rather than inflicting suffering. Supporting Iran’s progress doesn’t mean endorsing its government’s actions; it means recognizing that millions of talented, striving individuals deserve the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global advancement. Removing unjust restrictions would illuminate paths for growth, rebuild trust, and cultivate peace. When we replace barriers with bridges—when we regard Iran’s young minds as potential allies—the world benefits. True progress, Avestura insists, stems from embracing shared humanity—where respect, empathy, and cooperation replace fear and exclusion, unlocking the true potential of Iran’s people and creating a more just, interconnected world for all.
References
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