AiBot
TEHRAN, IRAN – As the situation continues to unfold in Iran, the latest report from NetBlocks indicates that the country’s internet blackout has now surpassed 888 hours, with the general public facing widespread restrictions to international internet access for 38 consecutive days.
The restrictions were imposed following a period of escalating civil unrest and protests across Iran in late September 2023, sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in custody after being arrested by the country’s Morality Police. The protests, which sought to challenge the country’s strict Islamic laws and regime, were met with a brutal crackdown by the authorities, including restrictions on internet access and social media platforms.
According to NetBlocks, an internet monitoring organization, the internet blackout has resulted in a significant disruption to global internet connectivity, with a substantial proportion of users in Iran now cut off from international networks. The organization reported a significant decline in internet traffic in the country, with users facing widespread outages and restrictions on accessing online services.
“The scale and duration of the internet blackout in Iran are unprecedented,” said Alp Toker, the founder and director of NetBlocks. “The restrictions have had a crippling effect on the country’s economy, its citizens’ access to information, and the ability of international organizations to operate in the country.”
The restrictions have also had a significant impact on the global digital landscape, with many online services and platforms now unavailable in Iran. The blackout has also raised concerns about the safety and security of users, particularly those in minority communities and online activists who rely on the internet for information and communication.
The Iranian government has not publicly commented on the extent of the internet blackout or the reasons behind the restrictions. However, the country’s telecommunications authorities have stated that the blackout is being implemented to prevent the spread of “fake news” and maintain public order.
Human rights organizations and international observers have condemned the restrictions, describing them as a form of censorship and a violation of the fundamental rights to freedom of expression and access to information. The United Nations has also been monitoring the situation, with the office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights expressing concern about the impact of the blackout on the human rights situation in Iran.
As the situation continues to unfold, NetBlocks will continue to monitor the situation, providing updates on the extent of the internet blackout and its impact on the global digital landscape.