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Iran's Internet Blackout Enters 79th Day
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Briefly Editorial Team

Iran's Internet Blackout Enters 79th Day

TL;DR

  • Iran's internet blackout has entered its 79th day
  • The country has been under strict internet restrictions for twelve weeks

Why it matters

Mass censorship measures have changed the nature of civic engagement in Iran

Technical Details

       Iran's internet blackout has entered its 79th day, with the country under strict internet restrictions for twelve weeks, according to NetBlocks' monitoring metrics. The internet shutdown began in late February and has not been lifted since. The NetBlocks graph shows that after a sharp decline in connectivity, the country has not returned to normal access levels.

       ## Context and Background

       Although minimal activity levels are still recorded, they do not change the overall picture: for most residents, the internet remains effectively inaccessible. 'Mass censorship measures have changed the nature of civic engagement, as control over information is used to reduce the broad public to the role of simple observers in their own country,' writes NetBlocks.

       ## Industry Impact

       The internet blackout in Iran has a significant impact on various industries, including business, education, and healthcare. The internet shutdown limits access to information and hinders the free exchange of data, which can have negative consequences for the country's economy and social sphere. Furthermore, the internet blackout may lead to a decline in trust in the authorities and increased social tension.