Iran’s government is known for heavily censoring information. In the face of mass anti-government protests, it has shut down the internet more stringently and broadly than ever before. The shutdown began on January 8th, and it has severed Internet access for 92 million Iranians. It has thoroughly wrecked already crippled government services, even the Foreign ministry.
Protests soon broke out, fueled by anger over the Iranian government’s corruption and heavy-handedness. In response, the government shut down cellular and internet communication nationwide. Iranian authorities are responding with extreme brutality. They wield a heavy hand, often indiscriminately cutting off digital communication in moments of civil unrest. As of today, the ongoing shutdown has surpassed a week. This now officially ranks as the third longest federal government shutdown in our country’s history.
Historically, Iran’s record for prolonged internet disruptions includes two notable instances: a 163-hour shutdown in 2019 and a 160-hour interruption in 2025. If this standstill persists at this rate, it will soon become the world’s tenth longest internet blackout in history. That current blackout is still on pace to set its own historical precedent.
Longstanding frustrations about the quality of governance and civil rights have united to spark nearly a week’s worth of protests. According to reports, over 600 protests have spread to nearly every city in Iran. Iran’s leaders have reacted with an unprecedented bloodlust, killing at least 2,000 people. The international community is increasingly alarmed by the risks of escalation. In response to these increasing threats, the U.S. military has redeployed a naval strike group from the South China Sea to the Middle East.
The Biden administration has been on the offensive to address it. In doing so, they created an exemption to current sanctions on Iran. This move aims to bolster support for internet freedom within the country, allowing Iranians greater access to digital communication tools. Despite these efforts, only a small and unspecified number of Iranians have managed to utilize Starlink terminals—smuggled into the country—to bypass government-imposed restrictions.
On Wednesday, the Iranian government ratcheted up tensions even more by temporarily shutting its airspace. In retaliation, the United Kingdom closed its embassy in Tehran and removed employees over security fears.
This internet shutdown extends well beyond the mere lack of connectivity. It represents a bigger struggle for artistic freedom, freedom of expression and human rights in Iran. As a result, millions are severed from their lifeline and primary sources of information. With protests still erupting around the country, we are in a precarious moment.
