Name: Iran experiencing nationwide internet blackout as protests intensify
Uploaded: 2026-01-09T02:05:46.746Z
Duration: 1 min 58 s
Description: Iran’s connectivity drops sharply nationwide – As authorities tighten controls amid growing protests over the economy. NetBlocks says the apparent blackout follows ‘a series of escalating digital censorship measures targeting protests’.

Iran’s connectivity drops sharply nationwide – As authorities tighten controls amid growing protests over the economy. NetBlocks says the apparent blackout follows ‘a series of escalating digital censorship measures targeting protests’.

Tehran

Widespread protests have erupted across Iran, driven by rising living costs and a sharp decline in the national currency. Security forces have responded with force, and rights groups report at least 40 deaths and over 2,000 arrests. 

Authorities implemented a nationwide internet blackout in an effort to disrupt communications, but protest activity and videos continue to surface. Demonstrations have expanded to multiple cities, with government buildings targeted, while Iranian leaders issue mixed messages regarding the response to protesters.

Iran experiencing nationwide internet blackout as protests intensify

Anger on the streets of Iran. Security forces open fire in effort to suppress the crowds. But they only grow larger. Thousands take to the streets in the capital, Tehran, in the largest rally since protests began nearly two weeks ago. They've been sparked by the soaring cost of living and the free fall of the national currency. On Thursday night, online monitor NetBlocks reported a nationwide internet blackout, which it said was an attempt to interrupt communications. Yet videos like these still manage to be posted. Demonstrations have spread far beyond the capital, expanding in both size and in grievances. In Isfahan, crowds set fire to the state broadcasting building. In the city of Gorgan, crowds set ablaze the governor's office. And in Babol, chants for freedom. Rights groups have accused security forces of a brutal crackdown. NGOs and activists say at least 40 protesters have been killed, including minors. More than 2,000 have been arrested. Iran's President Massoud Pazeshkian has urged government forces not to target protesters, saying that the people's demands must be listened to. But there's been mixed messaging from leaders. Earlier this week, the country's top judge accused demonstrators of operating in line with the U.S. and Israel. And the supreme leader has said that rioters must be put in their place. Despite the warnings, Iranians remain on the streets, defying bullets, blackouts and arrests to make their voices heard. Beirat Mehici, Al Jazeera.

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