Internet outage in Iran for the second day amid protests over living conditions
NetBlocks, a non-governmental organization specializing in monitoring cybersecurity and internet governance worldwide, reported Saturday evening that widespread internet outages continued in Iran. The data confirmed that Iranian authorities have maintained the internet blackout since last Thursday, coinciding with ongoing popular protests in several cities against deteriorating living conditions and the economic situation.
The organization stated via its official account on the “X” platform (formerly Twitter) that live digital indicators clearly show that the nationwide internet outage in Iran has been ongoing for more than 48 hours, digitally isolating the country from the outside world and making it difficult to track the flow of information and document events on the ground.
The repeated policy of “digital blackout”
This measure is part of a recurring pattern employed by authorities in Tehran to deal with internal unrest. For years, the government has resorted to restricting or completely shutting down internet access as a tool to control the flow of information, prevent protesters from coordinating with each other via instant messaging applications, and block images and videos documenting the protests from reaching international media and human rights organizations.
Experts point out that this tactic, known as “digital blackout,” is primarily aimed at stifling popular movements in their infancy and reducing international pressure that could result from the spread of images of repression or clashes. Iran has witnessed similar scenarios during previous protests, most notably the 2019 and 2022 protests, where the country suffered prolonged internet outages that significantly impacted daily life.
Economic and social motives for the protests
This new wave of protests erupts amid dire economic conditions for Iranian citizens. The country is suffering from high inflation and a depreciating currency, leading to a sharp decline in purchasing power and soaring prices for basic goods. These factors have created widespread public discontent, which periodically translates into street demonstrations demanding improved living conditions and an end to corruption.
Consequences of the internet shutdown
The impact of the internet shutdown extends beyond the political and security spheres, inflicting significant economic damage. A large segment of businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iran rely on the internet to conduct their operations, and with the ongoing outage, these sectors are suffering substantial financial losses. Furthermore, the shutdown is disrupting banking and educational services, further isolating citizens from their families abroad, and exacerbating public discontent.
International human rights organizations are monitoring the situation with concern, considering that access to the internet is a fundamental human right in the modern era, and that cutting it off represents a violation of freedom of expression and the right to access information.
