Iran Enforces 45-Day Internet Blackout, Crippling Economy and Isolating Citizens

Iran has been under a near-total internet blackout for over 45 days.

NetBlocks reported the outage had exceeded 1,032 hours.

Associated Press News

The government cited national security reasons.

The shutdown has crippled businesses across sectors.

Critics decry a perceived double standard.

Small businesses reliant on social media find their operations paralyzed.

The technology sector faces an existential threat.

CBC

Access to education is hampered and healthcare services compromised.

Connectivity is sold on the black market at exorbitant prices.

The government has criminalized possession of Starlink terminals.

Public frustration with the blackout is palpable.

“Iran is witnessing one of the most dangerous and widest digital outages in the history of modern states, with the complete Internet shutdown continuing for more than 38 days in an unprecedented information blackout that comes as regional tensions and the war escalate”

CNN Al-Iqtisadiyah

Pedram Soltani demanded: Restore the internet! Right now.

The Iranian opposition abroad has called for protests.

The regime's fear of the domestic street is linked to a degree far greater than its fears of renewed war.

There are no clear prospects for restoring internet connectivity.

The government justified the blackout as necessary to prevent cyberattacks.

Ehsan Chitsaz stated the restriction helped preserve stability of domestic communications.

New York Times

Cybersecurity experts reject internet cuts as a means of achieving cyber security.

The blackout obstructs access to emergency information during active military strikes.