Iran Internet Blackout is Longest Nationwide Shutdown on Record: NetBlocks

Iran's ongoing internet blackout, implemented shortly after the U.S. and Israel launched military strikes on February 28, has now surpassed 864 hours, becoming the longest internet shutdown in any country’s history. According to NetBlocks, this unprecedented shutdown has isolated the Iranian populace from the outside world, significantly hampering communication and access to crucial information.

In a recent post on the social media platform X, NetBlocks stated, “Iran's internet blackout is now the longest nation-scale internet shutdown on record, exceeding all other comparable incidents.” While some regions globally have experienced similar or longer disruptions, Iran is unique in having transitioned from a fully connected internet to a nationwide blackout, effectively reverting to a local-only network.

The consequences for citizens have been severe. Many report feeling trapped without access to reliable news. A 47-year-old woman from Isfahan expressed the struggle, stating, “Being without internet feels like being without oxygen to me. I feel trapped and suffocated.”

Despite restrictions, some residents have resorted to using virtual private networks (VPNs) to access international content and social media, though these come with risks, including warnings of potential arrest from authorities.

This blackout is part of a broader pattern of control exercised by the Iranian government, which previously imposed an 18-day internet shutdown during anti-government protests that resulted in thousands of deaths. With ongoing military pressures and no sign of de-escalation in the conflict, the Iranian internet blackout remains a poignant reminder of the intersection between digital freedom and political turmoil.