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Internet collapses in Iran amid protests over economic crisis
Internet connectivity collapsed across Iran on Thursday amid nationwide protests over a severe economic crisis, with experts confirming a 'near-total blackout' since the morning. The blackout coincided with protests following the currency's devaluation, leading to goods shortages and government crackdowns on demonstrators.
Key points
- Nationwide protests erupted in Iran due to a sharp decline in currency value, resulting in shortages and rising prices.
- Internet connectivity dropped significantly around 11:30 a.m. ET (8 p.m. local time in Tehran), marking a 'near-total blackout'.
- Web monitoring firms noted that the country is effectively offline, indicating a government-imposed internet shutdown.
- The Iranian government has responded to protests with violent crackdowns, maintaining tight control over internet access.
Why it matters
- This event highlights ongoing tensions between government control and public dissent, similar to protests in other authoritarian regimes.
- In the context of 2025 IT trends, such internet crackdowns demonstrate the potential for increased digital surveillance and control methods being adopted by governments.
The internet blackout in Iran underscores the intersection of technology and civil rights, highlighting how governments may manipulate connectivity to suppress dissent during economic crises.