Prolonged Internet Outage Lasts Over 12 Hours for Iranians
Let's dive into the digital isolation faced by the Iranian people as the country grapples with a 12-hour internet blackout.
Internet OutageThe internet in Iran, according to Netblocks, an internet shutdown monitoring organization, has been down for over 12 hours. This digital disconnection impedes citizens' access to essential information at a critical juncture.
Official JustificationThe Iranian government, as per a statement from the Communications Ministry, justifies the internet restriction as a response to the "misuse of the national communications network by the enemy aggressor for military purposes and endangering the lives and properties of innocent people." While access within the country remains active, the outside world remains largely inaccessible.
Past RestrictionsThe Iranian government has a history of limiting or completely shutting down internet connections during tumultuous times. In 2019, during anti-regime protests, a six-day internet blackout was enforced, resulting in over 100 reported deaths.
Global CriticismJournalist Kimberly Fritz views the internet blackout as a war crime, given the government's lack of concern for its own citizens. Meanwhile, criticism has grown among MAGA circles with news of an approved plan for an attack on Iran by former President Trump.
Cyber AttacksThe recent internet blackout may stem from escalating cyber threats, with Israeli actors reportedly behind hacking incidents targeting Bank Sepah and cryptocurrency exchange Nobitex, as claimed by the Iranian government.
Inside the BlackoutWith the outage shutting down access to foreign websites and services like WhatsApp and Telegram, and even making VPNs largely ineffective, Iranians are left isolated, struggling with a near-total disconnection from the internet. Ride-hailing drivers, navigators, and those communicating with family abroad are particularly impacted.
In essence, the internet blackout in Iran, although justified as a protective measure, has led to an overpowering digital silence, causing significant inconvenience and isolation for the Iranian population, demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of such censorship events on daily life.
[1] ABC News: Iran shuts down internet amid escalating tensions, cyber threats
[2] The Guardian: Iranian authorities arrest hundreds as internet is shut down during protests
[3] TechCrunch: Iran now largely inaccessible as internet crackdown continues, VPNs largely rendered useless
[4] Freedom House: Turkey, Iran, and other countries clamp down on internet freedom in 2020
The European Union, in the face of international news regarding Iran's 12-hour internet blackout, is closely monitoring the political implications this action may have on the region. Despite the Iranian government's justification for the internet restriction, the European Union expresses concern over the general-news events unfolding in Iran, particularly its impact on the population's access to information and communication.
