Recurrent internet disruptions in Syria continue to interfere with residents’ education, work, communication, and even access to their salaries. In response, the Minister of Communications has pledged to build a more robust telecommunications infrastructure. However, this promise comes amid growing concerns about the country’s data sovereignty and the state’s increasing control over digital networks.
This brief explores the latest developments in Syria’s digital landscape.
Internet Disruptions in Suweyda
Since the fall of the regime in December, Suwayda Governorate in southern Syria has faced persistent internet disruptions, affecting nearly every aspect of daily life. Local reports attribute the outages to vandalism and theft of the fiber-optic cables that connect the region, particularly in areas of southern Rural Damascus.
These disruptions have had wide-reaching consequences. Students and teachers, who depend on virtual platforms, have found it increasingly difficult to access or deliver lessons. Residents living outside the city center report difficulty staying in touch with family members in other governorates, compounding the sense of isolation.
Moreover, limited connectivity has added to the burden of receiving salaries, with citizens now waiting long hours at ATMs in Suwayda city due to delays in digital banking systems.
Ministry of Communications Promises Transparency and Legislative Reforms
Following his appointment as Minister of Communications in the current transitional government, Abdulsalam Haykal stated that “digital transformation is the cornerstone of Syria’s future.” He emphasized the importance of improving telecommunications networks and expanding internet access to enable more advanced digital services.
Building on this vision, local media outlets report that the Ministry’s upcoming phase will prioritize drafting legislation to support digital transformation and attract investment in the technology sector. Other goals include developing human resources, promoting transparency and accountability, and publishing regular progress reports.
In response to these developments, SMEX will closely monitor the government’s digital policy direction. Our aim is to document any potential violations of residents’ rights related to communication and access, and to advocate for laws and policies that serve users’ needs and protect their privacy.
SyriaPhone Announces Cessation of Operations
SyriaPhone, a private limited liability telecommunications company supplying northwestern Syria with internet has suspended its services in the region.
The company stated it will recover and reimburse users holding existing SIM cards. Current SyriaPhone SIMs will also be replaced with MTN SIMs at company offices. Unhappy with switching to “poor and slow” MTN services, SyriaPhone users in the region have expressed dissatisfaction with this abrupt decision.
Turkey “Ready” to Support Syria’s Internet Infrastructure
In late March, Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu announced that Turkey is ready to provide Syria with a complete internet infrastructure, including access to the Turkish satellite service, Türksat.
Uraloğlu also said in press statements that Turkey is prepared to transfer its expertise to Syria, particularly in the fields of telecommunications and transportation. He added that Syria’s Minister of Communications is expected to visit Turkey soon to continue consultations and discuss providing Syria with internet service entirely through Turkish infrastructure.
This move raises concerns about data security in Syria, as residents’ data would be shared with a foreign third party – namely, Turkey. Unfortunately, the latter does not have a strong track record of respecting privacy and data protection.
Moreover, the plan could constitute a breach of Syria’s digital sovereignty, risking the safety of Syrians both online and offline.
SMEX’s Forensic Analysis of the Sham Cash App
In early January, the new Syrian government requested some public sector employees to download the Sham Cash electronic wallet app to receive their salaries.
The app had previously been used in Idlib Governorate before the regime fell in December. It is available exclusively through the Sham Cash website and is not listed on Android or iOS stores, meaning it has not undergone the official reliability and security verifications carried out by both app stores.
The app also suffers from technical issues that frequently prevent users from accessing it.
These shortcomings have intensified suspicions about the app’s security. After authorities announced their official adoption of disbursing public sector salaries, concerns about their integrity became more pressing. As a result, SMEX’s digital forensics team conducted a comprehensive analysis of the updated Sham Cash app. SMEX warns against using the app, as the findings proved concerning.
