Ongoing protests in Iran over the country’s economic crisis have led to a significant technological disruption, as the nation’s internet connectivity has nearly vanished, according to internet monitoring experts. The shutdown, which began around 11:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, has left Iran largely isolated from the global online community, with various monitoring firms confirming the extensive blackout.
Amir Rashidi, an Iranian cybersecurity researcher, described the situation as a ‘near-total disconnection from the outside world.’ Doug Madory, from Kentik, also noted the country’s internet blackout, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Multiple organizations, including NetBlocks, Cloudflare, and IODA, reported a sudden and drastic decline in internet traffic within Iran, indicating a complete online shutdown. David Belson from Cloudflare confirmed the country’s virtual isolation, highlighting the significant impact on connectivity.
The protests, sparked by economic turmoil, have resulted in widespread unrest across Iran, with reports of shops closing and shortages of essential goods. The government’s response to the demonstrations has further exacerbated the situation. Despite international concern, the Iranian government, known for its strict control over internet access, has been identified as responsible for the internet blackout.
Source: TechCrunch