Iran's Internet Restrictions Amid Escalating Protests
Iranian authorities seem to be throttling or completely blocking internet access in certain areas as protests gain momentum nationwide.
Live data from NetBlocks reported on significant digital blackouts in Tehran and other parts of Iran, indicating a steep decline in internet connectivity through several service providers. This follows previous regional shutdowns and is expected to heavily obstruct media coverage of the unfolding protests.
The internet disruptions commenced as citizens, responding to the urging of Reza Pahlavi, the exiled prince of Iran, began shouting anti-government slogans from their homes.
Recent demonstrations have surged in intensity, spanning rural and urban areas alike, but life continues relatively normally in Tehran. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency in the U.S., these manifestations have led to at least 39 fatalities and over 2,260 arrests.
The increasing protest activity challenges Iran's current leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While the government has not entirely shut down the internet or sent massive security forces as in past protests, internet traffic in Iran has been markedly reduced according to Cloudflare, suggesting government-directed selective blocking amid the unrest.
NetBlocks previously highlighted connectivity issues with TCI, an essential internet provider, most notably in the embattled city of Kermanshah, as nationwide dissent continued.
Calls have been made for coordinated anti-government chants starting at 8 p.m. local time, aiming to gauge public response and potentially escalate the civil movement into a significant challenge to Iranian authorities.
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