Iran's government has activated an internet "kill switch" in an apparent effort to conceal allegations of human rights abuses committed by security forces during nationwide protests. The move, which was described as a "piecemeal measure" that eventually engulfed the entire country, severely restricts internet access, bringing connectivity down to less than 2% of normal levels.
This blackout has significant implications for protesters and citizens alike, as it hinders their ability to communicate with the outside world and access essential services. The government's actions have been widely condemned by human rights groups, including Amnesty International, which stated that people in Iran are "daring to express their anger at decades of repression and demand fundamental change" but are met with a "deadly pattern of security forces unlawfully firing at, chasing, arresting and beating protesters."
According to NetBlocks CEO Alp Toker, the internet blackout is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader effort by the Iranian government to silence dissent and cover up alleged abuses. The organization has tracked similar disruptions in 2019 and 2022, both times resulting in significant human rights abuses.
The move has sparked international concern, with US President Donald Trump warning Iran's leaders against using force on protesters. "I just hope the protesters in Iran are going to be safe, because that’s a very dangerous place right now," he said. "You’d better not start shooting, because we’ll start shooting, too."
The Iranian regime has long been accused of human rights abuses and suppressing dissent, but this latest move is seen as particularly egregious. As Toker noted, the government's actions suggest it is "scared" and unwilling to take risks when it comes to information reaching the outside world.
Human Rights Activists in Iran have reported at least 65 deaths among protesters, with over 2,300 people arrested and demonstrations spreading to 180 cities nationwide. The group also stated that most of those killed were protesters, emphasizing the government's use of lethal force against civilians.
The internet blackout has significant implications for freedom of expression and access to information in Iran. As Toker pointed out, a free and open internet is essential for promoting democracy and supporting basic liberties. The international community must continue to support efforts that promote human rights and freedom of expression, even in the face of authoritarian regimes like Iran's.
The Iranian government's actions have also raised concerns about its use of anti-espionage technology to track links and suppress dissent. This move is part of a broader trend among authoritarian governments to silence opposition and maintain control through digital means.
Overall, the Iranian government's activation of an internet "kill switch" is a significant escalation in its efforts to suppress dissent and cover up human rights abuses. The international community must continue to condemn such actions and support efforts that promote freedom of expression and human rights.
This blackout has significant implications for protesters and citizens alike, as it hinders their ability to communicate with the outside world and access essential services. The government's actions have been widely condemned by human rights groups, including Amnesty International, which stated that people in Iran are "daring to express their anger at decades of repression and demand fundamental change" but are met with a "deadly pattern of security forces unlawfully firing at, chasing, arresting and beating protesters."
According to NetBlocks CEO Alp Toker, the internet blackout is not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader effort by the Iranian government to silence dissent and cover up alleged abuses. The organization has tracked similar disruptions in 2019 and 2022, both times resulting in significant human rights abuses.
The move has sparked international concern, with US President Donald Trump warning Iran's leaders against using force on protesters. "I just hope the protesters in Iran are going to be safe, because that’s a very dangerous place right now," he said. "You’d better not start shooting, because we’ll start shooting, too."
The Iranian regime has long been accused of human rights abuses and suppressing dissent, but this latest move is seen as particularly egregious. As Toker noted, the government's actions suggest it is "scared" and unwilling to take risks when it comes to information reaching the outside world.
Human Rights Activists in Iran have reported at least 65 deaths among protesters, with over 2,300 people arrested and demonstrations spreading to 180 cities nationwide. The group also stated that most of those killed were protesters, emphasizing the government's use of lethal force against civilians.
The internet blackout has significant implications for freedom of expression and access to information in Iran. As Toker pointed out, a free and open internet is essential for promoting democracy and supporting basic liberties. The international community must continue to support efforts that promote human rights and freedom of expression, even in the face of authoritarian regimes like Iran's.
The Iranian government's actions have also raised concerns about its use of anti-espionage technology to track links and suppress dissent. This move is part of a broader trend among authoritarian governments to silence opposition and maintain control through digital means.
Overall, the Iranian government's activation of an internet "kill switch" is a significant escalation in its efforts to suppress dissent and cover up human rights abuses. The international community must continue to condemn such actions and support efforts that promote freedom of expression and human rights.
... it's so frustrating! and what really gets me is that it's not just about them silencing dissenters, but also about controlling how we consume information 
. 65 deaths & 2k+ arrests already? it's mind-blowing how much blood is on the hands of these officials. and now they're cutting off internet access? what kind of regime doesn't want its people to know what's going on? 
it's a classic case of authoritarian gov't trying to maintain control by silencing dissent & covering up abuses. international community needs to keep a close eye on this 
what's wrong with them? They're just trying to hide all the bad stuff they did during the protests I mean who does that? It's not right at all 
and now people can't even talk to their friends or get help if they need it 
this is so unfair. And those numbers are crazy 65 deaths and 2,300 arrests wow that's a lot of people suffering 
the internet should be free for everyone, not just the government 
we gotta keep supporting human rights activists in Iran too 
just read about iran activating their internet kill switch during protests and i'm like totally shook the gov is trying to silence ppl and it's super messed up 
the iranian gov is literally trying to control everything on the internet lol it's like something outta a movie, you know? they're basically saying "we don't want u to talk about this" but it's too late, the cat's out of the bag 
but seriously, what's next? them using AI to track down dissidents? or is this just another move by a gov that's scared of being held accountable? 
the iranian government is literally trying to cut off their own people's access to info 
the protests are getting more intense and the gov is just gonna keep responding with more authoritarian nonsense 
it's so sad that netizens all over the world can't even watch videos of what's going on in iran or tweet about it 
and what's gonna happen when they get caught red-handed? like they're not even worried about being exposed 
it's just so obvious that they're scared of being held accountable.
but it's not gonna work ... ppl r too angry & tired of bein held down 
i think it's time for some serious international pressure to get put on them 
they need to respect human rights & freedom of speech, or else we'll just keep talking about how messed up they're being 
newsflash, Iran: the internet ain't gonna be silenced by a few flicks of a switch. protesters will find ways to communicate, and when they do, it'll be louder than ever 
we need 2 see real change in that country, not just empty statements from world leaders 
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. And what if the protesters are just lookin' for a reason to stir up trouble? You can't let 'em just go wild like that 
. The government's gotta do somethin', and if they think this internet blackout is the way, then I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree 
. So, it's not like they're just tryin' this out for kicks 
. They're scared, yeah? But that don't mean we should be scared of 'em either 
. We gotta stand up for what's right, but we also gotta keep things in perspective 
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and the world is watching 
, it's like they're trying to erase the voices of the protesters who are speaking out against the government. anyone can see that this move is just a way for them to control what information gets out and silence dissent. 65 deaths and over 2,300 arrests in one day is just insane 
they just wanna keep all da power 4 themselves n suppress anythin dat makes dem uncomfortable 
protesters r just tryin to express dair voices n demands 4 change but instead dey get shot at, arrested, n silenced