Iran Internet Blackout Endangers Civilians During Israeli Strikes
▼ Summary
– Mobile data and VPNs in Iran are unreliable, making communication and information sharing difficult, with connectivity issues even affecting home broadband.
– Internet shutdowns by governments have surged, with 296 recorded last year, often used to suppress protests, control communication, or prevent exam cheating.
– The internet serves as a critical lifeline during conflicts, enabling news access, help requests, and communication, but Iran’s connectivity has significantly dropped since June 13.
– Iran promotes its National Information Network (NIN) to control access, censor content, and push users toward domestic apps with weak privacy and security features.
– Internet shutdowns, often justified as cybersecurity measures, primarily restrict public access to information rather than preventing state-level cyberattacks, and may aim to control narratives and prevent dissent.
During escalating tensions with Israel, Iran’s internet blackout has left civilians dangerously isolated, cutting off vital communication channels and access to critical information. Reports indicate mobile data services are unreliable, while VPNs, tools often used to bypass censorship, have largely failed. This digital blockade makes it nearly impossible for people inside Iran to communicate with the outside world or receive updates about safety threats.
One researcher described how family members traveling from Tehran lost connectivity entirely until they reached a province 200 kilometers away. Even home broadband services, typically more stable, have suffered frequent disruptions. Such blackouts aren’t unique to Iran, governments worldwide increasingly shut down internet access during crises, with 296 documented cases last year alone, the highest number ever recorded. These measures often aim to suppress dissent, control narratives, or restrict coordination during conflicts.
Experts emphasize that internet access is a lifeline during warfare, enabling civilians to seek help, locate safe zones, and stay informed. When Iran’s connectivity began dropping, relatives abroad reported severe slowdowns, leaving families in the dark. “People under fire rely on the internet for survival,” says a technology director at the Internet Society. “Cutting it off endangers lives and isolates entire communities.”
Iran has long prepared for such disruptions by developing its National Information Network (NIN), a state-controlled intranet system. Analysis reveals the NIN allows tiered access, forcing users toward government-approved apps with weak privacy protections. A digital rights advocate notes authorities are aggressively promoting domestic platforms like Bale, a messaging app hosted on the NIN that remains functional during blackouts. “Fear drives people to insecure alternatives,” he warns, highlighting the risks of surveillance and data exploitation.
While officials justify shutdowns as cybersecurity measures, experts dispute these claims. Military and critical infrastructure systems typically operate on isolated networks, meaning blackouts primarily harm civilians rather than thwart cyberattacks. “These restrictions don’t stop professional hackers—they silence society,” says a cybersecurity researcher. The real motive, observers argue, is suppressing dissent. State media pushes a narrative of victory against Israel, but open internet access could expose alternative viewpoints, potentially fueling unrest.
As blackouts persist, the humanitarian consequences grow more severe. Without reliable communication, civilians struggle to verify safety alerts or contact emergency services. The situation underscores a global trend where governments weaponize connectivity, trading public safety for control. In Iran, the cost of this strategy is measured not just in disrupted networks, but in lives left vulnerable amid conflict.
(Source: Wired)
