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Iran has activated an internet “kill switch” as nationwide protests escalate, cutting connectivity to unprecedented lows in what experts describe as a deliberate attempt to conceal potential abuses by security forces.
“This is Iran’s war against its own population using digital means,” NetBlocks CEO Alp Toker told Fox News Digital. The blackout has reduced internet access to less than 2% of normal levels on the 13th day of protests, making it one of the most severe disruptions ever recorded in the country.
The shutdown began gradually before encompassing the entire nation, with authorities appearing prepared to maintain the blackout for an extended period. “There would be an attempt by the regime to cover up crimes that it may have committed, so this blackout could potentially last for days or weeks,” Toker explained.
Human rights groups report mounting casualties as demonstrations continue. According to Human Rights Activists in Iran, at least 65 people have been killed—a figure that more than doubled in recent days—with over 2,300 protesters arrested across at least 180 cities nationwide.
Amnesty International has condemned the government’s response, stating that “people in Iran daring to express their anger at decades of repression and demand fundamental change are once again being met with a deadly pattern of security forces unlawfully firing at, chasing, arresting and beating protesters.”
The current internet shutdown strategy represents a technological evolution from previous crackdowns. Toker noted that in 2019, the government had to disable internet connections “one by one, city by city.” Now, they’ve centralized the process into “a one-step operation” controlled directly by the regime with no legal recourse for citizens.
“The single kill switch is the censorship mechanism that is centrally controlled by the regime, so there are no legal procedures or mechanisms for people to push back,” Toker said.
The blackout extends far beyond social media restrictions, affecting essential services including banking and healthcare. “This is a nationwide disruption that is impacting almost all services, all connectivity and all avenues of life,” Toker explained. “People are unable to reach the outside world and nobody has the ability to communicate.”
Despite the comprehensive nature of the shutdown, limited communication remains possible in some areas. Those near borders can occasionally access Wi-Fi or mobile services from neighboring countries. Some protesters have attempted to use satellite internet services like Starlink, though the necessary equipment is banned by Iranian authorities.
The regime employs sophisticated technology to enforce the blackout. “The technology that the Iranian regime uses to trace links is essentially anti-espionage technology,” Toker said, adding that such measures are “typically imposed by the most authoritarian regimes, the most controlling governments that seek to silence and oppress their own populations.”
This is not Iran’s first implementation of such tactics. NetBlocks documented similar multi-week disruptions in 2019, during which thousands were reportedly killed. A comparable strategy was employed in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini, which sparked widespread protests.
The current blackout appears more extreme than previous instances, suggesting heightened government concern. “In past incidents, we did observe that the government attempted to keep a baseline of service available,” Toker said. “In this recent case, they pulled the plug… which suggests that the regime is scared and isn’t taking risks when it comes to the possibility of information reaching the outside world.”
International reaction has been swift. President Donald Trump warned Iran’s leaders against using force on protesters, stating, “I just hope the protesters in Iran are going to be safe, because that’s a very dangerous place right now. You’d better not start shooting, because we’ll start shooting, too.”
Digital rights experts emphasize that while outside intervention options are limited, continued support for internet freedom remains crucial. “A free and open internet in Iran, and indeed in other countries, can encourage democracy and support basic liberties,” Toker concluded.
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10 Comments
The surging death toll and mass arrests in Iran are extremely alarming. This severe internet disruption is clearly an attempt to hide the government’s brutal crackdown on the protests. The world should be closely watching and condemning these human rights abuses.
Absolutely. The internet shutdown is a deliberate effort to restrict the flow of information and conceal the regime’s violent response. It’s a shameful tactic that underscores the desperation of the authorities to maintain control.
Cutting off the internet during protests is a concerning tactic to stifle dissent and conceal potential abuses. It’s troubling to see the escalating violence and loss of life in these ongoing demonstrations in Iran.
I agree, the blackout seems like an attempt to restrict information and communication during a sensitive time. Transparency and accountability should be priorities, not internet shutdowns.
This internet blackout in Iran is a blatant attempt to censor and suppress the ongoing protests. By cutting off access to communication and information, the government is trying to prevent the world from witnessing its violent crackdown on dissent. The international community must condemn these actions.
Well said. The regime’s use of internet shutdowns to hide its repression of protesters is completely unacceptable. These are egregious violations of human rights that deserve strong global condemnation and action.
This internet shutdown in Iran is deeply disturbing. Denying citizens access to information and the ability to coordinate during protests is a grave violation of human rights. The regime must be held accountable for its repressive actions.
You’re right, the internet blackout is a tactic to suppress the voices and actions of protesters. It’s a cynical move that shows the government’s fear of transparency and its unwillingness to address the root causes of the unrest.
It’s deeply troubling to see the Iranian government resort to such extreme measures as cutting off internet access to curb the protests. This tactic is clearly aimed at restricting the flow of information and concealing the regime’s brutal crackdown on its own people. The world must hold Iran accountable for these human rights abuses.
I agree, the internet blackout is a desperate and repressive move by the Iranian authorities. It demonstrates their fear of transparency and unwillingness to address the legitimate grievances of the protesters. The international community should condemn this in the strongest terms.