As protests rage, Iran pulls the plug on contact with the world

In a dramatic move, Iran's government disconnected the internet and telephone services for its 85 million citizens just after 8 p.m. on Thursday. This action, reminiscent of tactics used during both civil unrest and wartime, severed the public's connection to the global community, including relatives and supporters in the United States and Europe. Despite facing stringent international sanctions related to its nuclear ambitions, Iranians had previously relied on virtual private networks to access blocked mobile apps and websites. However, this sudden shutdown has severely restricted the ability of citizens to share images and firsthand accounts of the widespread protests ignited by the country's struggling economy. The protests are now regarded as one of the most significant challenges to the Iranian regime in recent years. The blackout raises concerns about a potential violent crackdown on demonstrators, especially as the Trump administration has issued warnings to Iranian authorities regarding the treatment of protestors. As communication lines go dark, families abroad are left in a state of panic, desperate for news of their loved ones. Iran's attorney general has escalated fears by declaring that anyone participating in the protests could face charges of being an 'enemy of God,' punishable by death. Azam Jangravi, a Toronto-based cybersecurity expert and critic of the Iranian government, expressed her anguish, stating, "You can’t understand our feelings. My brothers, my cousins, they will go on the street. You can’t imagine the anxiety of the Iranian diaspora." She conveyed the emotional toll this situation has taken on her, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the safety of those still in Iran. This marks the third instance of Iran cutting off internet access to the outside world. The first occurred in 2019, when protests erupted over increased gasoline prices, leading to the reported deaths of over 300 individuals. The second wave of unrest followed the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody after allegedly failing to comply with hijab regulations, resulting in a crackdown that killed more than 500 people. The role of Starlink, a satellite internet service, has become increasingly critical during these protests. Although unauthorized in Iran, the service has been utilized to disseminate information from within the country. Reports indicate that tens of thousands of Starlink receivers are in use, with some now being employed to share footage and updates regarding the demonstrations. However, the Iranian government has been actively jamming GPS signals, likely to hinder the effectiveness of drones and potentially disrupt Starlink communications. Amir Rashidi, a digital rights expert at the Miaan Group, reported a significant decline in data transmission from Starlink devices, with losses of up to 80% in some areas. He speculated that the Iranian authorities may be employing advanced jamming techniques akin to those used by Russia in Ukraine. The International Telecommunication Union, a UN agency, has previously urged Iran to cease its jamming activities. Meanwhile, Iran has been petitioning the union to ban Starlink services in the country. As the flow of information dwindles, the dangers for those utilizing Starlink devices intensify, with potential severe repercussions for possession. As the situation remains precarious, experts warn that the nonviolent protests may not endure if the violence from security forces escalates. "Unless something changes in the next two to three days, these protests could also fade away," cautioned activist Mehdi Yahyanejad. The urgent need for support and intervention is palpable as the world watches Iran at a critical juncture.