Attempted Iran media clampdown meets Internet age

Yahoo via AP ^ | June 17, 2009 43 mins ago | REBECCA SANTANA and BARBARA ORTUTAY, Associated Press Writers Rebecca Santana And Barbara Ortutay,

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

CAIRO – Iran clamped down Tuesday on independent media in an attempt to control images of election protests, but pictures and videos leaked out anyway — showing how difficult it is to shut off the flow of information in the Internet age.

The restrictions imposed by the government made such social-networking sites as Twitter and Flickr more prominent — with even the U.S. State Department calling on Twitter to put off a scheduled shutdown for maintenance.

Iranians were posting items online, but it wasn't known how much of that information was being seen by others inside the country. And although some of the posts on Twitter appeared to be from users in Tehran, others clearly were not.

Following a massive opposition rally Monday, authorities restricted journalists — including Iranians working for foreign media — from reporting on the streets. They could effectively only work from their offices, conducting telephone interviews and monitoring official sources such as state TV.

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Good production video from the above message 6 minutes:

Iran, the volcano is exploding

[PhilDragoo]

Bumping.

[widdle_wabbit]

The image of document, election results is not available.

I tried to save it to file for printing and got nothing but white. (interior ministry memo)

[Ernest_at_the_Beach]

Clever....or the system is swamped....

More Twitter messages:

**********************************************

RT @boadiceatx: The Independent's Robert Fisk has must read story on Iran demonstrations. http://tinyurl.com/krpqlj #iranelection #gr88

3 minutes ago from TweetDeck

dominiquerdr

Dominique Rodier

[1COUNTER-MORTER-68]

Bump Dat...

[Marine_Uncle]

It figures.

[Marine_Uncle]

“It figures.” Whoops. Referring to the lousy job of photo alternation by one of their goons of course.

[visualops]

Quite honestly it seems a bit contrived- rather “too fortuitous”. I doubt that a memo would be sent saying they announced a win according to his wishes. It’s probably more along the lines of keep counting till you get the number you want. The Dems have been doing it for years and those in power in Iran have even less impediments to their desired results.

[Marine_Uncle]

"Now if we could get confirmation on Chavez supplying troops to Iran..... "
Good call. I wouldn't be surprised if certain arrangements where not being made or suggested.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks Ernest. G'night all (for sure this time).

• Computers hackers helping Iranian protesters
• Battle for Iran Shifts from Streets to the Heart of Power