Iran’s Internet Blackout Enters Day 7: A Historical Low-Point
I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that Iran has been offline for an entire week. With over 92 million individuals affected, it’s no secret that this is one of the longest internet shutdowns in history. The reason behind this blackout? The growing unrest and protests in Iran, which have been met with brutal force by the authorities.
Let’s set the stage: the internet went dark on January 8, and since then, the impact has been far-reaching. Not only have residents of Iran been left stranded, but the government and businesses too have felt the pinch. Bank transfers, fuel stations, and even some government departments have been affected. But amidst all this chaos, some authorities departments have managed to get their internet connection restored.
I’ve been following the situation, and one of the most interesting developments is the creative ways Iranians have found to stay connected. A small number of residents have used Starlink terminals, smuggled into the country, to access the internet. And let’s not forget that the US government introduced an exemption from sanctions in 2022, allowing US tech companies to provide free internet access to Iranians.
But let’s be real – Iran’s history of shutting down the internet during times of protest and civil unrest is no secret. With multiple instances of web shutdowns and restrictions, it’s no wonder the world is having a tough time verifying the accuracy of stories coming from the country.
The global implications of this shutdown are also starting to come into play. The UK has shut down its embassy in Tehran, and Germany has temporarily closed off its airspace. The US, meanwhile, is considering military intervention, with President Donald Trump threatening military action if the violent crackdown continues.
It’s a tough time for Iran, to say the least. I’ll be keeping a close eye on this developing story. Who knows what the next few days will bring?
