Iran has been plunged into a widespread internet blackout as public demonstrations against severe economic conditions continue to spread across the country.
Nationwide Disruption Reported
The significant disruption to online connectivity was first reported on Thursday by the internet freedom monitoring group, NetBlocks. The outage appears to be nationwide, severely limiting the flow of information both within Iran and to the outside world.
Protests Show No Signs of Abating
The blackout coincides with ongoing protests driven by the public's frustration over a worsening economic situation. Reports indicate the demonstrations are widespread and show no immediate signs of stopping. While the precise cause of the current internet failure remains officially unconfirmed, Iranian authorities have a established precedent of deliberately shutting down internet access during periods of civil unrest to stifle communication and organisation among protesters.
Historical Context and Implications
This tactic has been employed by the government in the past to control the narrative and limit the ability of citizens to report on events. The move to impose a nationwide internet blackout underscores the scale of the current protests and the authorities' concern over their potential to grow. The economic grievances fuelling the unrest remain a critical pressure point for the Iranian government.
