Iran Issues Stern Warnings to Citizens Defying Internet Blackout Amid Air Strikes
Internet connectivity across Iran has dramatically dropped to approximately one percent of normal levels, according to the monitoring group NetBlocks. This severe disruption has left the vast majority of residents unable to access basic online services, essential communication platforms, or critical navigation tools.
Government Threats and Communication Breakdown
The extensive internet shutdown was implemented after Iran deactivated much of its internet infrastructure in response to ongoing air strikes launched by Israel and the United States, which have persisted for several consecutive days. Citizens who managed to circumvent the restrictions using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) reported receiving explicit warning messages directly on their mobile devices.
The messages threatened further punitive actions if individuals continued connecting to the global internet. One such warning stated, "If you repeatedly connect to the international internet in the coming days, your line will be blocked and the necessary measures will be taken to refer your case to the judicial authorities."
A resident in Tehran described the situation to AFP, noting that internet speeds had become extremely slow, rendering normal communication nearly impossible. "The internet speed is very slow. You can't call and voice messages don't get delivered. We can just text," the resident explained.
Severe Impact on Daily Life and Alternative Measures
The blackout has profoundly disrupted daily activities, preventing people from contacting relatives abroad, using navigation tools like Google Maps, or accessing websites for vital information. Many residents have been confined to Iran's heavily restricted local intranet, which offers limited functionality.
The air strikes have also targeted Iranian broadcasting infrastructure, adversely affecting state television and radio operations. In a bid to restore connectivity, some residents have attempted to access the internet using illegal Starlink terminals operated by SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, although connectivity remains highly unstable.
A resident in the western Iranian city of Bukan conveyed the challenges in a message to AFP: "The internet situation here is abysmal. It connects and disconnects. The connection is slow so the VPNs don't work."
Historical Context and Human Rights Concerns
Iran has previously imposed similar internet shutdowns during periods of significant unrest, including during the 2022 protests that were sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini. Human rights organizations emphasize that these communication restrictions severely complicate efforts to document events on the ground accurately.
The Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights highlighted that the blackout has made it exceedingly difficult to verify civilian casualties and reports of potential abuses. Awyar Shekhi from the organization remarked, "It's a struggle for us right now, but it's not the first time that we are facing a cutoff. We've built our own networks to be prepared for such times to be able to get information through our sources when there is no internet."
Diaspora Anxiety and Broader Implications
Iranians living abroad have also been significantly affected by the disruption, with many unable to reach family members inside the country amid the escalating conflict. Shekhi added, "For Iranians in the diaspora, it's stressful and they live with anxiety about their families, not knowing if they have been able to find shelter, or whether they have left their homes."
This comprehensive internet blackout underscores the Iranian government's stringent control over digital communication during times of crisis, raising serious concerns about freedom of information and the welfare of citizens both domestically and internationally.
