In January, Iranian authorities shut down the internet during nationwide protests.
Foreign AffairsMiddle East
- Omissions
- The internet shutdown specifically began on 8 January 2026, not just generally 'in January'
- The protests had been ongoing since late December 2025 before the shutdown was implemented
- The shutdown lasted approximately 18 days, making it one of the longest nationwide blackouts on record
- Sources
- SecondaryAl JazeeraNetBlocks confirmed nationwide internet blackout in Iran on 8 January 2026 following escalating digital censorship measures targeting protests
- SecondaryAmnesty InternationalIranian authorities deliberately blocked internet access to hide the true extent of human rights violations during ongoing protests in January 2026
- SecondaryChatham HouseOn 8 January 2026, amid widespread protests and violent government crackdown, the Iranian regime shut off all internet services
- SecondaryCloudflare BlogInternet connectivity in Iran plummeted on January 8, 2026, with traffic anomalies detected in the first days of January
- SecondaryAl ArabiyaIranians were placed under an 18-day internet blackout in January 2026 amid anti-government protests