Shortly after 8 p.m. on Thursday, Iran’s ruling clerical establishment effectively cut the nation off from the outside world, plunging its population of roughly 85 million into digital isolation. In a tactic previously used during both unrest and armed conflict, authorities shut down internet access and telephone networks that link Iranians to family members and communities abroad, including large diasporas in the United States and Europe.
Until this point, despite heavy international sanctions tied to Iran’s nuclear program, many citizens had still managed to access restricted websites and messaging platforms by using virtual private networks. The sudden blackout has drastically reduced the public’s ability to share photos, videos, and firsthand reports from widespread demonstrations driven by the country’s deteriorating economic conditions—protests that now represent the most serious challenge to the government in years.
The move may also pave the way for harsher repression, particularly after warnings from the Trump administration about repercussions should further protesters be killed. As Iran went dark, relatives overseas were left desperately searching for any updates, especially after the country’s attorney general declared that those participating in protests would be treated as “enemies of God,” a charge that can carry the death penalty.
Members of the Iranian diaspora described intense fear and helplessness. Azam Jangravi, a Toronto-based cybersecurity specialist and government critic, said the uncertainty was overwhelming. She explained that concern for her family and friends made it impossible to focus on work, adding through tears that people were being injured and killed, but no one knew who or how many.
This marks the third time Iran has imposed a near-total communications blackout. In 2019, similar measures followed protests over fuel price increases, during which more than 300 people were reportedly killed. Another shutdown occurred in 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini, who died following her detention by morality police for allegedly violating dress codes; that crackdown left more than 500 people dead.
During the Amini protests, Starlink satellite internet provided a limited lifeline for information sharing. Since then, the number of Starlink receivers inside Iran has grown significantly, despite the service being illegal under Iranian law. Estimates suggest that tens of thousands of receivers are now in the country. While many are used by businesses to maintain international connections, some are reportedly helping transmit images and reports of the current unrest.
However, Starlink access is increasingly unreliable. Since Iran’s brief war with Israel last year, authorities have intensified GPS interference, likely aimed at undermining drone operations. Because Starlink relies on GPS signals to connect to its satellite network, this disruption has reduced its effectiveness. Digital rights experts report significant data losses, with some regions experiencing disruptions as high as 80%.
Analysts believe the government may be employing more advanced tactics, such as mobile jamming systems previously used to block satellite television. The United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union has previously urged Iran to halt such interference, even as Iranian officials have lobbied the organization to restrict Starlink’s operations in the country.
Despite the risks, much of the information emerging from Iran since Thursday appears to be transmitted via Starlink. Possessing the equipment carries severe consequences, as authorities may accuse users of collaborating with foreign enemies—a charge that could result in execution.
Yet without these channels, the outside world would know even less about events unfolding inside Iran at a critical juncture. Observers warn that nonviolent protests may not survive sustained, extreme force by security services. Unless conditions change quickly or outside assistance arrives, the demonstrations could fade in the coming days. As one activist put it, if help is coming at all, it must come soon.
