RIPPLE

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to National Post (established source, credibility score: 95/100), Iranian officials are considering gradual restoration of internet services following the deadliest protests in years. The demonstrations were initially peaceful but escalated into "riots," with authorities blaming foreign influence from the U.S. and Israel. The causal chain begins with Iran's decision to restrict internet access during the protests, which likely affected citizens' ability to gather information, communicate with each other, and express their dissent peacefully. This restriction can be seen as a form of censorship, limiting the dissemination of information and potentially hindering the spread of protests. In the long term, this event may influence discussions around the forum topic "Should the Internet Be a Public Utility?" The Iranian government's approach to managing internet access during times of social unrest might be viewed as an example of how governments can control or restrict internet services. This could lead to increased scrutiny of similar measures in other countries and potentially shape public opinion on the role of governments in regulating internet access. The domains affected by this event include: * Digital Literacy and Technology Access: Internet restrictions may have impeded citizens' ability to access information and communicate freely. * Public Safety: The government's response to the protests, including internet shutdowns, might be seen as a means to maintain public order. * International Relations: Blaming foreign influence for the unrest could strain diplomatic relationships with the U.S. and Israel. The evidence type is an event report from a credible news source. It is uncertain how this event will impact future discussions on making the internet a public utility, but it may contribute to ongoing debates about government control over internet services and their potential implications for democratic processes. --- Source: [National Post](https://nationalpost.com/news/world/israel-middle-east/iran-internet-restoration-deadly-protests) (established source, credibility: 95/100)

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to CBC News (established source), as Iranians are mourning and burying their dead amidst ongoing protests, many are waiting anxiously for U.S. President Trump's next move regarding internet access restrictions in Iran. This development highlights the critical role of internet connectivity during times of crisis. The causal chain is as follows: The Iranian government's decision to cut off internet access has led to a severe disruption in communication and information flow. This, in turn, has affected the ability of Iranians to coordinate protests, access vital information, and maintain connections with loved ones. If the U.S. imposes further sanctions or restrictions on Iran's internet access, it could exacerbate this situation. The domains affected by this news event include: * Digital Literacy and Technology Access (specifically, internet and device access) * Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (as disruptions in communication can hinder emergency response efforts) This is an example of the evidence type: Event report. It's uncertain how long these restrictions will remain in place or what specific actions the U.S. government will take next. Depending on these factors, it could lead to a longer-term impact on Iran's internet infrastructure and access, potentially influencing global discussions around the role of the internet as a public utility. --- Source: [CBC News](https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/iran-blackout-protests-9.7045152?cmp=rss) (established source, credibility: 95/100)

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to National Post (established source), an 8-month-long internet shutdown in Iran has severely impacted key sectors of their economy, including travel and exports, affecting Iranians' livelihoods. The prolonged internet shutdown can be seen as a direct cause → effect relationship where the lack of access to the internet has hindered economic activities. This is because many businesses rely on online platforms for transactions, communication with suppliers and customers, and accessing important information. The immediate effects of this shutdown are felt in the affected sectors, leading to potential long-term consequences such as job losses, business closures, and a decline in trade. Intermediate steps in the chain include: 1. Reduced economic activity due to limited access to online platforms for transactions. 2. Increased costs for businesses to compensate for the lack of internet access (e.g., using alternative communication methods). 3. Decreased competitiveness in international markets due to reduced ability to participate in global trade. This event affects the following civic domains: economy, employment, small business development, and international relations. The evidence type is an event report from a credible news source. Depending on how long the shutdown continues and its impact on Iran's economy, this could lead to increased calls for internet access as a fundamental right. However, it also highlights the challenges of implementing such policies in countries with restrictive regimes, making it uncertain whether this will influence public opinion or policy decisions regarding internet access as a public utility.

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to National Post (established source), an online news outlet with a credibility score of 100/100, the internet shutdown in Iran has hindered efforts to track the protest death toll, which is nearing 6,000. This development raises concerns about access to information and the role of the internet as a public utility. The causal chain of effects on the forum topic "Should the Internet Be a Public Utility?" can be summarized as follows: * The immediate cause is the internet shutdown in Iran, which has impeded efforts to track the protest death toll. * This intermediate step highlights the importance of access to information and the role of the internet in facilitating this access. * In the long term, this event could lead to increased calls for the internet to be considered a public utility, ensuring that it remains accessible and reliable, especially during times of crisis. The domains affected by this news include: * Digital Literacy and Technology Access * Internet and Device Access This development is supported by evidence from an official report (event report) on the impact of the internet shutdown in Iran. However, there are uncertainties surrounding the actual death toll, as confirmed figures may be lower than the actual number due to the shutdown. **METADATA---** { "causal_chains": ["internet shutdown impedes access to information", "increased calls for public utility status"], "domains_affected": ["Digital Literacy and Technology Access", "Internet and Device Access"], "evidence_type": "event report", "confidence_score": 80, "key_uncertainties": ["uncertainty about actual death toll due to internet shutdown"] }

**RIPPLE COMMENT** According to BNN Bloomberg (established source), tech stocks have surged, leaving fewer bargains for investors, but one analyst still sees a few internet names that are reasonably valued. The article highlights the increasing value of internet companies, which could lead to a shift in how governments and regulatory bodies view the internet as a public utility. If internet companies continue to grow in value, it's possible that governments may be less inclined to consider regulating them as utilities, potentially limiting efforts to make internet access more equitable. The direct cause-effect relationship is that rising stock values could reduce pressure on governments to regulate the internet as a public utility. Intermediate steps might include increased investment in internet infrastructure by private companies, which could lead to improved internet access for some communities but exacerbate existing inequalities. This situation affects domains related to digital literacy and technology access, including internet and device access, affordability, and equity of access. **EVIDENCE TYPE**: Expert opinion (Jon Erlichman's analysis) **UNCERTAINTY**: Depending on how governments respond to the growing value of internet companies, this could either increase or decrease momentum for making the internet a public utility. If governments prioritize economic growth over social welfare, they may be less inclined to regulate the internet as a utility.