Iran internet blackout becomes longest on record amid escalating crisis

• Iran is facing its longest-ever internet shutdown, now lasting over 20 days, according to NetBlocks.
• The blackout began amid rising military tensions involving the United States and Israel, cutting off millions of Iranians from global communication.
• Authorities say the restrictions are meant to combat misinformation and protect national security, but critics argue they are used to suppress dissent and hide potential human rights abuses.
• Limited access remains through a domestic intranet and risky alternatives like Starlink, though many VPNs no longer work and unauthorized devices are being seized.
• The crackdown extends beyond the internet, with executions and thousands killed during recent protests, raising growing concerns about transparency and human rights.

Iran is experiencing the longest internet shutdown in its history, as authorities continue to enforce a nationwide blackout now stretching into its third week, according to monitoring group NetBlocks.

The watchdog reported that the disruption reached its 20th consecutive day on Thursday, March 20, marking one of the most prolonged internet shutdowns ever recorded in a highly connected country. The blackout was imposed following the onset of military tensions involving the United States and Israel, further isolating millions of Iranians from the outside world.

“The ongoing disruption in Iran is among the longest three internet shutdowns in our records. It’s now the longest sustained nation-scale internet blackout we’ve tracked in a highly connected society,” said Alp Toker, noting that only countries such as Sudan and Myanmar have experienced longer outages, both under military rule.

Iran has a history of restricting internet access during periods of unrest. Authorities claim such measures are necessary to combat misinformation and maintain national security. However, critics argue the shutdown serves as a tool to suppress dissent and conceal potential human rights abuses during crackdowns. BrightU.AI‘s Enoch added that this tactic maintains the government’s grip on power and prevents the spread of dissenting voices and alternative narratives.

Despite the restrictions, some Iranians have attempted to bypass the blackout using virtual private networks (VPNs) and alternative technologies. However, Toker noted that most conventional VPN services have been rendered ineffective under the current conditions.

Limited access and growing crackdown

According to NetBlocks, a limited domestic intranet has been activated, allowing a small number of technically skilled users to access external networks, though connections remain unstable and increasingly restricted. Some individuals have also turned to satellite-based internet services such as Starlink, despite the significant risks involved.

Authorities have intensified efforts to curb these workarounds. Iranian intelligence announced earlier this week that hundreds of unauthorized Starlink devices had been located and confiscated in a nationwide operation. Officials described the effort as “complex and extensive,” targeting systems allegedly used to aid foreign adversaries.

The government warned that possession or use of such equipment is illegal and could result in severe punishment, particularly under wartime conditions. Toker added that only a small number of individuals, primarily those approved by the state, retain limited access to the global internet, likely numbering in the thousands.

Meanwhile, the crackdown extends beyond digital restrictions. On Thursday, Iran’s judiciary confirmed the execution of three individuals accused of killing police officers and collaborating with the United States and Israel during anti-government protests earlier this year. The sentences were carried out after convictions on charges of “waging war against God,” according to the judiciary-affiliated Mizan Online.

The protests, driven by economic hardship and political repression, were among the largest seen in Iran in decades. During the unrest, President Donald Trump publicly urged Iranians to challenge the country’s leadership.

Iranian authorities report that approximately 3,000 people, including security personnel, were killed during the protests. However, human rights organizations estimate the death toll could be significantly higher, with figures reaching at least 7,000, most of them civilians.

As the blackout continues, concerns are mounting that the lack of communication channels may further obscure developments within the country, raising alarms about transparency, accountability and the broader human rights situation.

Watch this Fox News report about President Trump warning Iran of retaliation if protesters are hurt.

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Sources include:

Middle EastEye.net

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com