- Iran's digital blackout continues for the fifth consecutive day
- Starlink connections are still being targeted, but access depends on location
- Experts urge authorities to restore internet access
Iranians have been offline for at least 96 hours as the country's digital blackout persists for the fifth consecutive day. Authorities initiated a complete communications shutdown on Thursday in response to escalating anti-government protests.
Internet monitoring organization NetBlocks and other sources have confirmed that internet connectivity remains nearly nonexistent as of Monday morning, affecting over 90 million people across the nation.
Current data indicates that the internet shutdown is ongoing. "Fixed-line internet, mobile data, and calls are disabled, while other communication methods are also increasingly being targeted," said NetBlocks.
As previously reported, Starlink connections have also been impacted. Filterbaan, an Iranian digital rights organization, confirmed that jamming of Starlink resumed on Saturday night, resulting in many users who had been connected via Starlink in recent days being unable to reconnect, according to experts.
However, local reports suggest that disruptions to Starlink may not be uniform across the country.
The state-controlled media group IRIB News Agency has published a list of domestic applications available for citizens, including a local search engine, maps, and news agencies.
Filterbaan states that the existence of this list indicates that the government does not intend to restore internet access to its pre-protest status.
VPN services cannot assist Iranians in regaining online access, as these tools require a functioning internet connection to operate.
In light of these circumstances, experts recommend switching to shortwave/HAM radio communications, direct-to-cell satellite, or mesh networks to maintain connectivity.
The digital blackout has not deterred citizens from protesting. The BBC reported that hundreds of protesters have been killed, with many more detained during demonstrations.
However, the internet restrictions are "limiting reporting and accountability over civilian deaths as Iranians protest and demand change," according to NetBlocks.
"A disconnection of a nation from the world"
As the global community continues to observe the situation in Iran, a coalition of over 30 internet experts has published a joint statement condemning the country's internet shutdown.
They argue that the internet is a "foundational instrument" for human connection, economic activity, and the free flow of information.
"This action is not merely a matter of internal traffic management; it represents a disconnection of a nation from the world," they assert.
The signatories call on Iranian authorities to immediately restore full, unfiltered internet access and urge the international technical community to monitor connectivity and support efforts to ensure the internet remains open, interoperable, and accessible to all.
"The internet belongs to everyone. It must not be weaponized against the people it was built to serve."
