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On June 17, 2025, Iran initiated a near-total internet blackout as hostilities between the country and Israel intensified. The move, seemingly a government decision, significantly disrupted Iranian citizens’ access to global communication channels. According to reports from NBC News, Kentinc and Netblocks, two companies monitoring global internet connectivity, confirmed the sharp decline in Iran’s internet services. By around 5:30 p.m. local time, the country’s internet traffic dropped drastically, affecting many platforms that people rely on to stay connected with the outside world.
Notably, the slowdown impacted popular tools like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which many Iranians use to circumvent censorship and access foreign websites. This move mirrored past government actions, such as the 2019 internet shutdown, when protests broke out across the country, leading to brutal crackdowns on civilians.
Fatemeh Mohajerani, a government spokesperson, justified the blackout by claiming it was a response to cyberattacks allegedly launched by Israel. Alongside this, a few major Western apps, including WhatsApp and Instagram, were blocked, limiting communication options even further.
What Undercode Says:
Iran’s decision to shut down internet access is a clear attempt to control the flow of information within and beyond its borders. Historically, the Iranian government has utilized such measures during periods of political unrest, believing that restricting access to the global web can curb protests and prevent the organization of anti-regime activities. In the past, the government has blamed external forces, such as Israel, for escalating tensions and utilizing cyberspace as a battleground for influence.
While the government’s justification of responding to Israeli cyberattacks is plausible, it overlooks the larger trend of restricting access to the internet during critical moments. Iran has long used its National Information Network (NIN), a state-run internet service that functions separately from the global internet, to ensure government-approved information remains accessible. However, the vast majority of Iranians still rely on foreign websites and social media apps to communicate freely, making their current situation even more dire.
The global community has reacted, urging companies like Elon Musk’s Starlink to step in, providing satellite-based internet access to circumvent governmental restrictions. However, this raises significant questions about the balance between internet freedom and state security. Should private companies be responsible for providing internet access in situations like this, or is it the role of governments and international organizations to ensure communication remains open?
Fact Checker Results:
✅ Iran has a long history of internet restrictions during times of civil unrest, particularly in response to anti-government protests.
✅ The government has restricted platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram during periods of heightened political tension, as seen in this recent blackout.
❌ Claims of Israel’s cyberattacks triggering the blackout remain unverified by independent sources.
📊 Prediction
Looking ahead, the trajectory of internet access in Iran could go one of two ways. If tensions with Israel continue to escalate, further shutdowns may become a regular tactic used by the Iranian government to maintain control. On the other hand, the increasing global support for internet freedom could lead to alternative solutions, like satellite internet or pressure from international organizations, mitigating the effects of these blackouts in the long term.
References:
Reported By: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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