Iran's internet shutdown exceeds ten days, suspected of pushing a permanent network isolation plan: heading towards a digital island?

Iran is currently experiencing one of the most severe internet shutdowns in history. Since January 8, over 92 million people nationwide have almost completely lost internet access, with phone and SMS services also disrupted. This blockade is not only a response to domestic protests but may also mark a turning point for authorities toward permanent “digital isolation.”

The internet disruption has entered its tenth day, and the blockade may continue until March or even longer.

Since January 8, the Iranian government has cut off nationwide internet services, claiming it is to prevent “externally led terrorist activities.” Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated publicly that this measure is to protect national security. However, many outside observers believe this move is aimed at suppressing protest voices and preventing the international community from focusing on domestic violence and repression.

According to IranWire, an independent media outlet, on January 15, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani revealed that international internet access would not be restored before the Lunar New Year (late March).

“Switch-like” internet management becomes reality? Government suspected of planning permanent internet censorship mechanism

Organizations monitoring internet freedom, such as FilterWatch, point out that Iranian authorities are accelerating the implementation of a new internet control system, aiming to disconnect the country from the global internet and shift toward a closed network architecture.

FilterWatch cites anonymous government sources saying, “Expectations of restoring international internet should not exist; even if it is reactivated in the future, users will not be able to return to the previous state of internet freedom.”

Based on interviews with FilterWatch and BBC Persian, future internet access will require review, registration, and official approval. The technical foundation for this system is already in place, awaiting political will to implement.

Digital “Lockdown” Effects Expand: From Economic Impact to Human Rights Risks

Human rights organization Access Now points out that the blockade has already caused significant impacts on people’s lives, especially in e-commerce, online work, and communication security. This “information disconnection” strategy has historically been used to conceal domestic violence and human rights abuses, such as during the nationwide protests in 2019 and 2022.

Access Now publicly calls for the restoration of internet connectivity: “Blocking basic digital services not only endangers lives but also encourages the government to evade accountability for human rights violations.”

According to HRANA, a human rights news agency, as of January 18, over 3,300 protesters have been killed, more than 24,000 arrested, across 187 cities. The actual numbers are likely higher, but independent verification is currently impossible.

“Internal network communication, external disconnection”: Is Iran heading toward a China-style internet?

Many observers believe Iran may be emulating China and Russia by building a closed network system based on government censorship.

China’s “Great Firewall” is the most famous internet censorship system internationally, blocking all Western applications including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Russia has been promoting “Ru-net” since 2019, attempting to isolate domestic internet traffic from the global network.

Although Russia’s “kill switch” for the internet has not been fully implemented, it already has the capability to cut off the internet in times of crisis. If Iran adopts a similar system, it would become another country building its own “digital border.”

Security or control? Political will determines Iran’s internet future

FilterWatch points out that decision-making authority over internet policy is increasingly concentrated in security agencies rather than civilian departments. The government claims that shutting down the internet helps defend against cyberattacks, but analysts believe internal power struggles and economic pressures may hinder full implementation of such plans.

Amir Rashidi of FilterWatch states, “The issue is no longer technical but a matter of political will.”

Starlink, LEO, and Bluetooth Communications: Is there still hope for digital freedom?

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology offers an alternative way for users under blockade to connect. Elon Musk’s Starlink service has previously provided free terminals for Iranian users, and some devices have successfully bypassed government interference and censorship.

Additionally, more smartphones worldwide now support satellite communication, such as SOS signals, and emerging Bluetooth “mesh networks” offer short-range communication possibilities in disconnected areas.

Security expert Prof. Alan Woodward expresses optimism: “Although authoritarian countries continue to play cat and mouse with technology, the global proliferation of networks is unstoppable.”

Starlink as a key tool against internet censorship, Musk faces high-risk testing

According to Reuters on January 16, SpaceX’s satellite internet service Starlink is facing a high-stakes security challenge in Iran. Amid comprehensive government shutdowns and intense repression, Starlink has become one of the few digital lifelines capable of bypassing national censorship and restrictions.

The report states that since the Iranian government fully shut down the internet on January 8, hundreds of Starlink terminals have successfully connected within the country, allowing protesters and journalists to transmit images and information abroad. Many of these terminals were smuggled in by exile groups or foreign humanitarian organizations. The exact number is unknown, but sources indicate that at least dozens are still operational.

Starlink has updated its system to make interference and location harder. Despite efforts by Iranian authorities to disrupt connections through jamming and electromagnetic blocking, SpaceX’s technical team quickly pushed firmware upgrades, successfully restoring most users’ connectivity.

This article “Iran’s Internet Shutdown Exceeds Ten Days, Suspected of Planning Permanent Digital Isolation: Heading Toward a Digital Island?” first appeared on Chain News ABMedia.