Iran enters 10th day of internet blackout

Iran's state-imposed internet blackout has entered its tenth day. As of Monday, March 9, nearly 90 million people in the country have been effectively cut off from global communication networks.

Cybersecurity monitoring organisation NetBlocks reported in its latest update that Iranian citizens have been disconnected from the global internet network for nearly 216 consecutive hours. According to the organisation, internet connectivity in the country has dropped to just 1 percent of normal levels, equivalent to a near-total shutdown.

This strict state-imposed restriction has crippled the country's internal communication systems. Simultaneously, the exchange of information with the outside world has become nearly impossible. NetBlocks stated that this shutdown has effectively silenced the voices of nearly 90 million Iranian citizens.

Analysts believe this drastic measure has been taken amid internal political instability and ongoing tensions surrounding the new leadership.

Due to the lack of internet access, ordinary citizens are unable to access emergency services, conduct banking activities or use social media platforms. As a result, daily life is being severely disrupted. International human rights organisations have expressed deep concern, characterising this as an extreme step to obstruct information flow.

According to analysts, this prolonged internet blackout, now in its tenth day, is also having a significant impact on Iran's fragile economy. Sectors reliant on online business and communication have become nearly paralysed.

NetBlocks reported that the disconnection process has been implemented in a highly calculated manner. Currently, aside from a handful of government institutions, ordinary citizens in Iran have no means of accessing the internet.

No clear message has yet been issued by the Iranian government regarding how long this 'digital silence' will last. Consequently, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the outside world to ascertain exactly what is happening inside the country.

According to NetBlocks, internet connectivity dropping to just 1 per cent means the country is experiencing a near-total digital blackout. The simultaneous disconnection of nearly 90 million people from the online world is being regarded as one of the largest internet shutdowns in contemporary digital history. It now remains to be seen what steps Tehran will take under international pressure.