Ongoing digital isolation: Internet outage in Iran
has entered The internet blackout in Iran its 30th consecutive day, cutting millions off from free information and communication. These stringent measures come amid escalating regional tensions and ongoing conflicts, making internet access virtually impossible for the average citizen. NetBlocks, an organization that monitors internet security and freedom, confirmed via its X platform that "the internet blackout in Iran has entered its 30th day, with nationwide censorship continuing for the fifth week after 696 hours of blackout."
While the intranet continues to function to power local messaging applications, banking platforms, and government services, access to the global internet is severely restricted, forcing residents to adapt to a new and imposed digital reality.
General context and historical background of digital censorship
are not Internet outages in Iran an isolated or unprecedented event; rather, they are the continuation of a systematic policy pursued by the authorities for years. Historically, Tehran has worked to develop what is known as the “National Information Network,” an internal internet network designed to isolate Iran’s digital space from the global network, thus facilitating the authorities’ control over the flow of information. This was clearly demonstrated during previous periods of unrest, such as the 2019 protests and the widespread protests of 2022, when the internet was shut down for weeks to disrupt communication and prevent the dissemination of videos to international media.
Costly alternatives and fears of the “North Korean model”
Faced with this digital blockade, many Iranians have no choice but to rely on state-controlled platforms, which are expensive and offer limited access. Arshia, a 37-year-old marketing manager living in Iran, describes the situation: “Living without the internet is extremely difficult. When even foreign TV channels are down due to signal interference, we have no way to follow the news except through state television.”.
“We receive news from friends and family by phone, but it’s very difficult. We’re living under constant psychological pressure,” Arshia adds sadly. “Our biggest fear now is that they might not restore the internet connection at all, and that we’ll become completely isolated like North Korea. Holding onto hope is hard, and all we can do now is spend time together as a family.”.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs): A narrow window to the world
In an attempt to circumvent this blockade, Iranians are resorting to using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass the censorship, despite the severe technical restrictions imposed by the authorities to disable them. AFP journalists in Paris were able to contact residents in Iran via apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram during brief and intermittent periods of internet access.
“The first few weeks of the blackout were very difficult,” says Maryam, a 33-year-old private sector employee. “I had no way to contact my family in another city except through traditional phone calls.” She continues, “Now we use an Iranian messaging app and can make video calls. It’s not ideal, but we’re adapting to these difficult circumstances.”.
Significance and expected impact: local, regional, and international repercussions
The ongoing internet blackout in Iran has far-reaching consequences. Domestically, the Iranian economy, particularly small businesses and internet-dependent startups, is suffering significant financial losses. This blackout is also exacerbating social isolation and psychological stress among citizens.
Regionally and internationally, the lack of information creates an environment of media blackout, limiting users' access to local platforms and official media outlets, thus providing a fragmented picture of events. This blackout hinders the work of international journalists in documenting the facts on the ground and leaves Iranian communities abroad in a state of constant anxiety for their loved ones, highlighting the vital and indispensable role of the internet in the modern age.
