Iran enters ‘digital blackout’ as regime struggles 12 days into furious protests | World | News
Several areas of Iran, including Tehran, appear to have “entered a digital blackout”, a global internet monitor site suggests, as the country is facing its 12th day of protests. According to network data NetBlocks, shared on social media platform Mastodon, Iran’s main internet provider TCI lost connection in the city of Kermanshah.
In the capital city and other areas, internet connectivity from multiple providers failed. NetBlocks, an account that tracks internet outages, said the disruption could limit the on the ground coverage of the protests as they spread. It said: “Confirmed: Network data show the loss of connectivity on #Iran internet backbone provider TCI in the restive city of Kermanshah as protests spread across the nation in their 12th day.
“The incident comes amid rising casualties with indications of disruptions in multiple regions.
Another post added: “Live network data show #Tehran and other parts of Iran are now entering a digital blackout, as internet connectivity falls on multiple providers.
“The new incident follows regional shutdowns, and is likely to severely limit coverage of events on the ground as protests spread.”
This comes after Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi warned that the regime could cut internet access if protestors continued. He wrote in X: “Of course, reports have reached us that the regime is deeply frightened and is attempting, once again, to cut off the internet.
“Know that our communication will not be severed. Whether through the hundreds of thousands of Starlink devices in Iran, or through the Iran International and Manoto television networks.
“But if the regime commits such a mistake and cuts the internet, that itself will be another call to continue your presence and to take over the streets. In this way, you will drive yet another nail into the coffin of this regime.”
The wave of unrest began late last month over mounting frustration with the Iranian regime and its handling of the economic crisis.
Shopkeepers and university students have taken to the streets following a sharp fall in the value of the national currency, the rial. In 2025, it sunk to a record low, while inflation hit 40% amid sanctions over the country’s nuclear programme.
According to the Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA), at least 34 protesters and four security personnel have been killed and 2,200 protesters have been arrested.
