Cybersecurity experts have alleged that the Iranian government has enacted an internet “kill switch” to obscure claims of human rights violations committed by its security forces, leading to a significant rise in protests across the nation.
As the protests entered their 13th day, power outages drastically reduced internet connectivity to about 2% of typical levels. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, condemned the regime for using lethal force against demonstrators.
“This is Iran’s war against its own citizens, facilitated digitally,” stated Alp Toker, CEO of NetBlocks. He emphasized that the government’s strategy appears to be an ongoing effort intended to gradually extend its reach nationwide.
According to Toker, this disruption may last for an extended period, possibly days or weeks, and is part of an effort to conceal potential crimes by the regime.
At a demonstration outside the Iranian embassy in London, protesters tore down the regime’s flag while displaying pre-revolutionary symbols.
The Iranian government reported that at least 65 people have died amid the protests, with a human rights group indicating that this number has more than doubled since earlier in the week. They also noted that over 2,300 individuals have been arrested, with demonstrations erupting in 180 cities throughout the country, primarily involving protesters.
Amnesty International also expressed concerns about the violent response of security forces against those expressing dissent over years of oppression.
Describing the situation, Toker explained that the censorship mechanism used by the regime is centralized, leaving no room for legal resistance. He remarked that the technology has been developed since the Cold War and is used by some governments in cyber warfare scenarios.
Describing previous actions, Toker recalled that in 2019 the government had to systematically shut down businesses in various cities; this time, the approach seems more drastic.
NetBlocks noted this outage as one of the most severe ever seen in Iran, reporting a comprehensive disruption affecting nearly all communication services. This has impacted banking and daily life to a great extent.
Nevertheless, Toker mentioned that some connections remain possible, such as limited communication through Wi-Fi near borders and cross-border mobile services. Access to satellite internet, like the Starlink network, is another option, albeit one that the Iranian regime has prohibited.
Highlighting the oppressive nature of the measures, Toker pointed out that such actions are indicative of authoritarian regimes seeking to control and silence their populations. He drew parallels to previous unrest in Iran, notably in 2019 and 2022, when thousands died during protests.
Amidst widespread unrest, President Donald Trump cautioned Iranian leaders against using force against protesters, stating that Iran was in “big trouble.” He expressed concern for the safety of the Iranian demonstrators and warned that any violence could lead to a strong U.S. response.
While Toker acknowledged that outside assistance is limited, he reiterated the importance of supporting democratic movements in Iran. He suggested that a free and accessible internet could bolster democracy and fundamental freedoms in the region.
