From the CensorBlog

http://thehacktivist.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=CensorBlog&file=index

Using two proxy servers (port 3128 & 8080) falling within the IP range of Iran:

inetnum: 217.218.0.0 - 217.219.255.255

netname: IR-DCC-20010403

descr: Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI)

descr: PROVIDER Local Internet Registry

country: IR

I was able to do some preliminary tests on recent reports of Iranian Internet censorship.

Contrary to some reports VOA is accessible:

http://www.voa.gov/

http://www.voanews.com/

http://www.voanews.com/persian/

Radio Farda

http://www.radiofarda.com/

was not blocked by one proxy, but did time out with the other.

In addition other sites such as

Student Movement Coordination Committee for Democracy in Iran

http://www.daneshjoo.org/

http://www.iran-daneshjoo.org/

The Monarchy's website

http://www.rezapahlavi.org/

are also accessible. If the Shah's website is

available, that a pretty good indication that

blocking has not been implemented.

One proxy timed out when trying to reach:

http://www.iran-daneshjoo.org/

and

http://www.radiofarda.com/

but was able to access a mirror:

http://www.daneshjoo.org/

This same proxy also blocked:

http://playboy.com/

ERROR

The requested URL could not be retrieved

While trying to retrieve the URL: http://playboy.com/

The following error was encountered:

* Access Denied.

Access control configuration prevents your request from being allowed at this time.

Please contact your service provider if you feel this is incorrect.

Your cache administrator is webmaster.

Generated Wed, 27 Aug 2003 22:54:07 GMT by coori (squid/2.5.STABLE1)

Conclusions:

Basically there does not appear to be censoring at the national level, i.e.

the internation gateway, or the backbone routers. The difference between the

two proxy servers indicates that ISP or local administrators are implementing or

NOT implementing the blocklists, that have been issued by the government.

These tests were conducted with only with 2 proxy servers so more testing needs to be done.

Please post your comments, and any other info you might have.

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Link to this comment: http://www.securityfocus.com/comments/articles/6807/21847#21847