Iran's Internet Blackout Reaches 360 Hours: Starlink Users Targeted

Netblocks, an internet observatory, has reported that Iranians have now over 360 hours without internet connection, a measure impulsed by the Iranian regime since the start of the U.S.-Israel conflict. While Starlink allows citizens to bypass this measure, owners of these terminals have also been targeted.

Iran Continues to Be in Digital Darkness: Internet Blackout Enters Its 16th Day

Iranians, who are in the middle of a conflict between the U.S., Israel, and the Iranian regime, have also been affected by a digital blackout since the first strikes took place.

Netblocks, an internet observatory that has been monitoring the nation’s connectivity, has recently confirmed that the digital blackout, which started on February 28, persists.

The organization reported that the measure has entered its third week, with most Iranians enduring over 360 hours of digital isolation, affecting both their ability to conduct economic transactions and their capacity to remain informed.

During an interview on CBS’s Face the Nation, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi referred to the internet blockade, stating that it was established for “security reasons.” “We are under attack, we are under aggression, and we have to do everything to protect our people,” he added.

While there are ways to circumvent these blocks using traditional tools like shortwave radio signals, phone calls, and satellite broadcasts, users have flocked to virtual private networks (VPNs) and services like Starlink to remain connected.

Nonetheless, the Iranian regime is already targeting these users, sending text messages to users suspected of leveraging them. Since January, when the regime also shut internet access down, Iranians have been using Psiphon and Lantern, two VPN companies.

Netblocks also claims that Starlink terminals are being seized, and their owners are arrested. Amnesty International’s Raha Bahreini confirmed this, stating that the group has received reports of “raids on houses… arrests of people who had Starlink devices.”

Starlink terminals are not easily available to Iranians, with prices of over $2,000 in the black market, preventing most from owning them.

The situation might become more dire, as a key telecom network that was part of the 1% reserved state infrastructure that remained online has also collapsed.

FAQ 🔎

• What is the current state of internet access in Iran amid the conflict?
  Iranians are experiencing a digital blackout that has lasted for over 360 hours since February 28, significantly impacting their connectivity.
• What reasons did the Iranian Foreign Minister give for the internet blockade?
  Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated the blockade was established for “security reasons” due to aggression against the nation.
• How are Iranians attempting to bypass the digital blackout?
  Many are using VPNs and services like Starlink, alongside traditional methods such as shortwave radio, to maintain connectivity.
• What consequences are users facing for utilizing alternative internet access methods?
  The Iranian regime has targeted users of VPNs, seizing Starlink terminals and arresting individuals suspected of their use, according to reports from Amnesty International.