Late Thursday, Iran’s theocratic government disconnected the country from the global internet and telephone networks, effectively isolating its 85 million citizens from the outside world.
This move comes amid nationwide protests sparked by economic hardship, which have grown into one of the most significant challenges to the Iranian government in years.
“You can’t understand our feelings. My brothers, my cousins, they will go on the street. You can’t imagine the anxiety of the Iranian diaspora,” said Azam Jangravi, a Toronto-based cybersecurity expert. “A lot of people are being killed and injured, and we don’t know who.”
Connectivity Disruption
The shutdown blocks Iranians from sharing images and witness accounts abroad and could provide cover for a violent crackdown. The move follows a pattern used in past demonstrations and conflicts, including:
- 2019 gasoline protests, which saw more than 300 killed.
- 2022 Mahsa Amini protests, where a crackdown reportedly killed over 500.
While satellite internet provided by Starlink has helped circumvent restrictions, the Iranian government appears to be jamming GPS and mobile signals, disrupting roughly 30–80% of Starlink traffic in affected areas. Experts believe Iran is employing advanced signal jamming similar to techniques used in Ukraine.
Risks and Challenges
Possessing Starlink receivers is now illegal in Iran, and individuals using them face severe penalties, including potential execution under accusations of collaborating with foreign powers. Despite the risks, Starlink remains a critical lifeline for transmitting information on the protests.
Experts warn that protests may lose momentum without external attention or support. Mehdi Yahyanejad, an internet freedom activist in Los Angeles, stressed:
“Unless something changes in the next two or three days, these protests can die down, too. If there is any help, it needs to come soon.”
The situation highlights both the humanitarian crisis and the information blackout unfolding in Iran, leaving the world largely in the dark about the scale of government repression.
