Today, Iran is heading into the fourth day of complete internet shutdown, which human rights agencies say is being used to mask the violent suppression of protestors.
On December 28 last year, rapid hyperinflation of the Iranian rial saw shopkeepers implement a general strike, which soon spiralled into nationwide protests. With demonstrations gaining momentum at the start of 2026, the state implemented a nationwide internet blackout on January 8.
These measures coincided with violent crackdowns on protesters by government troops, with security forces opening fire on unarmed civilians on Friday.
The Human Rights Activists News Agency reports 544 deaths since the protests began, with over 10,600 people having also been arbitrarily detained.
The blackout itself has seen Iran’s internet traffic plummet. According to internet traffic observation company NetBlocks, Iran has seen a 98% drop in connectivity to the outside world.
Read more – total telecom: https://bit.ly/4sCeVSq
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