According to digital rights activists, Iran is reportedly planning a permanent separation from the global internet, restricting access to a filtered version for those with security clearance. This transition, which has been signaled by state media, would leave the majority of Iranians with access only to a domestic, government-controlled internet, a move that is part of a 16-year effort to control the country’s online activity. The regime has been developing this national internet since 2009, utilizing advanced filtering and monitoring systems, potentially with technology from China, and enforcing infrastructural moves within the country. While authorities believe the current shutdown has helped them control the situation, experts warn of severe economic and cultural consequences.
Read More
Iran’s judiciary head signaled swift trials and executions for those detained in the nationwide protests, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s warnings of potential military action. The crackdown on the demonstrations, which began over economic issues, has resulted in a death toll exceeding any other round of unrest in decades, with activists fearing hangings are imminent. In response to the protests, Iran cut off internet access and is rumored to be searching for satellite dishes, while a U.S. military base in Qatar has advised some personnel to evacuate. Meanwhile, the satellite internet service, Starlink, is offering free service in Iran to help circumvent the internet shutdown.
Read More
Following the government’s internet shutdown, reports emerged detailing the killings of several individuals during protests in the marginalized Lur ethnic minority region. Hessam Khodayarifard, Shayan Asadollahi, Reza Moradi, and Sajjad Valamanesh were all killed by security forces during crackdowns in Kuhdasht, Azna, and Lordegan. Authorities reportedly refused to release the bodies of the deceased and pressured families into making statements supporting the regime. Despite the government’s efforts to control the narrative, details of the violence spread through hushed communications before the internet was completely cut off, which ultimately silenced independent reporting.
Read More
Amidst the Iranian internet shutdown, disturbing evidence of the state’s crackdown on protesters has emerged, including videos showing a forensics institute in Tehran filled with body bags. One video reveals a screen listing 250 deceased individuals, suggesting the scale of the killings, with the date indicating deaths from protests. Authorities have reportedly attempted to prevent families from retrieving bodies, as evidenced by the secret burial of 23-year-old Robina Aminian. This tactic mirrors the strategy used by the regime to prevent large-scale mourning ceremonies that could further fuel the protests.
Read More
Iran is experiencing its most severe internet shutdown to date, impacting both global and domestic online services. Cybersecurity experts note this blackout signifies an escalation in digital repression by Iranian authorities amid ongoing unrest. The purpose of this shutdown is to prevent protesters from coordinating and to conceal evidence of state violence from the world, with experts drawing comparisons to previous communication blackouts. The current situation has raised grave concerns about potential lethal repression by security forces, as the blackout hinders efforts to assess casualties and verify reports of violence.
Read More
Iran shuts off the internet as protesters start fires in widening unrest, a move that immediately feels like a desperate play by a regime on the ropes. The complete shutdown of the internet, alongside phone lines, is a clear indication that the government is attempting to control the flow of information and isolate the protesters. It’s a tactic we’ve seen before, a classic move pulled by dictatorships clinging to power. It’s a chilling reminder of how regimes react when they feel threatened, with the silencing of voices being a standard operating procedure.
The immediate consequence of this internet blackout is, ironically, to fuel the fire.… Continue reading
Afghanistan’s cellphone and internet services have been shut down following a Taliban order, and it’s hard not to immediately think about the ramifications for the people there. It’s a significant blow, cutting off a vital lifeline in the modern world. Consider the impact this has on families, businesses, and anyone relying on communication. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about access to information, the ability to connect with loved ones, and the potential to participate in the global economy. The question of how people will maintain these connections, especially those needing to communicate with relatives abroad, is a very real one.… Continue reading
The internet shutdown in Afghanistan has significantly impacted both students and teachers like Zabi, who relied on online platforms for English language instruction. Zabi’s students, many preparing for the IELTS exam, were cut off mid-test, leaving them devastated. The cost of mobile data, the only alternative, is prohibitive for most, further exacerbating the situation. Zabi, like many, is now considering leaving the country, and the money changer, Anas, says he’s had to endure an extreme dip in business.
Read More
Following complaints regarding dynamite explosions from a Moroccan construction company, residents of Equatorial Guinea’s Annobón island have faced an internet shutdown and subsequent repression. This resulted in the imprisonment of signatories, the collapse of essential services, and the exacerbation of existing marginalization. Despite denials from the company, Somagec, the government has continued the internet outage, impacting the island’s population of approximately 5,000 people. The move marks a significant escalation of repression by the government, which has a history of silencing criticism.
Read More
In response to a planned rally demanding the release of imprisoned ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pakistani authorities arrested over 4,000 of his supporters, including five parliamentarians. Islamabad remains under lockdown, with roads blocked and internet and mobile services suspended in some areas to prevent the rally. The government claims these measures are to protect residents and property, while Khan’s party alleges political motivations behind the arrests and restrictions. The crackdown coincides with an upcoming visit by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood