Iran's Internet Shutdown: The Path to Extreme Digital Isolation

Mon Jan 19 2026 06:46:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An unprecedented internet blackout in Iran has left 92 million citizens offline, raising concerns about government control and the potential for permanent digital isolation amidst ongoing protests.

Iran is currently experiencing one of the most severe internet shutdowns in history, cutting off 92 million citizens from all online communication. The government claims the shutdown is necessary to prevent external interference and maintain order in the face of public protests. Reports suggest that officials may be planning to limit internet access permanently, transitioning Iran towards extreme digital isolation similar to systems in Russia and China.

Iran is 10 days into one of the most extreme internet shutdowns in history, with 92 million citizens cut off from all internet services and even disruption to phone and text messaging.

The Iranian government cut off services on 8 January, apparently to stifle dissent and prevent international scrutiny of a government crackdown on protesters.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the internet was cut off in response to what he described as externally directed 'terrorist operations'.

The government has not indicated when services will return, but recent reports suggest plans to restrict internet access permanently may be underway.

On 15 January, the news site IranWire reported that government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani told journalists that international web access will not be available until at least the Iranian New Year in late March.

Internet freedom observers at FilterWatch argue that the government is hastily implementing new systems to cut Iran off from the international internet, with no expectation of a return to previous access levels.

While the BBC cannot independently verify these claims, journalists have indicated that internet access will not be restored anytime soon.

The shutdown has transformed from a temporary outage to a 'communication black hole', impacting daily life and livelihoods, particularly in the e-commerce sector.

As of 18 January, more than 3,300 confirmed protester deaths have been reported, with significant numbers still under review.

Access Now emphasizes the critical need for full internet restoration, stating that access restrictions exacerbate human rights abuses and impede accountability.

In an alarming trend, the Iranian regime appears to be moving toward a tiered internet system similar to those in China and Russia, where access may depend on government approval.

Despite the state's efforts, advancements in Low Earth Orbit internet services like Starlink provide alternative connectivity options for Iranians, complicating the government's control measures.

Experts suggest that while the Iranian authorities may seek to enforce stringent control over digital access, the evolution of internet technology and user resilience could counteract such repression in the long run.