The Deliberate Darkness: A Pattern of Internet Suppression in Iran

The current shutdown, initiated on January 8, 2026, is not an isolated incident. Iranian authorities have a documented history of restricting internet access during periods of unrest. Rebecca White, a researcher at Amnesty International’s Security Lab, stated that the blackout is a calculated move to obscure the extent of human rights violations being committed against protesters. “The Iranian authorities have once again deliberately blocked internet access inside Iran to hide the true extent of the grave human rights violations and crimes under international law they are carrying out to crush the largest nationwide protests since the Woman Life Freedom uprising in 2022,” White explained.

This tactic isn’t merely about controlling the flow of information *out* of the country; it’s about preventing citizens from organizing, sharing evidence of abuses, and receiving crucial updates. Internet shutdowns effectively plunge communities into “digital darkness,” hindering their ability to document and report on events as they unfold. This creates a climate of impunity, allowing security forces to operate with reduced accountability.

Previous instances of widespread internet restrictions occurred during the November 2019 protests, where hundreds of protesters and bystanders were unlawfully killed by security forces during a five-day period of unrest. Similar shutdowns were also implemented during the Woman Life Freedom uprising of September-December 2022, again coinciding with reports of excessive force and widespread arrests. Amnesty International’s documentation of these past shutdowns reveals a consistent pattern of behavior by the Iranian government.

The right to protest, enshrined in international human rights law, extends to the digital realm. Blanket internet cuts are considered disproportionate and a violation of fundamental freedoms, even in emergency situations. The international community is increasingly recognizing internet access as a basic human right, essential for participation in democratic processes and the protection of civil liberties.

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Current Crisis: Rising Death Toll and Escalating Violence

The current wave of protests began on December 28, 2025, in Tehran, fueled by a sharp decline in the Iranian currency and soaring inflation. These economic grievances quickly broadened into wider calls for fundamental political change and the dismantling of the Islamic Republic system. The protests have since spread nationwide, encompassing numerous cities and provinces.

Amnesty International reports that at least 28 protesters and bystanders, including children, have been killed by security forces between December 31, 2025, and January 3, 2026, across 13 cities in eight provinces. The organization is currently investigating credible reports that the use of unlawful lethal force has intensified since the imposition of the internet shutdown, leading to further casualties and injuries. Details of the crackdown reveal a disturbing pattern of excessive force and arbitrary arrests.

What responsibility do international actors have to intervene in situations where governments deliberately suppress information and violate human rights? And how can technology be used to circumvent censorship and protect activists on the ground?

The blackout is not simply a matter of inconvenience; it is a deliberate attempt to shield the authorities from scrutiny and perpetuate a cycle of violence. Amnesty International is urging immediate global diplomatic action to address the escalating crisis and prevent further bloodshed.

Pro Tip:

The situation remains fluid and deeply concerning. The suppression of information, coupled with the escalating violence, paints a grim picture for the future of human rights in Iran.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Iran Internet Shutdown

• What is the primary purpose of the internet shutdown in Iran?

  The primary purpose of the internet shutdown is to conceal the extent of human rights violations and suppress dissent by preventing protesters from organizing and sharing information with the outside world.

• Has Iran imposed internet shutdowns before?

  Yes, Iranian authorities have a history of imposing internet shutdowns during periods of unrest, notably in November 2019 and during the Woman Life Freedom uprising in 2022.

• Is an internet shutdown a violation of international law?

  Yes, blanket or total internet cuts are considered inherently disproportionate under international human rights law and are a violation of fundamental freedoms.

• What is the current death toll associated with the protests in Iran?

  As of January 3, 2026, Amnesty International has confirmed the deaths of at least 28 protesters and bystanders, including children, but believes the actual number is likely higher.

• What is the international community doing to respond to the crisis in Iran?

  Amnesty International is calling for urgent global diplomatic action to address the escalating crisis and prevent further bloodshed, urging governments to hold Iranian authorities accountable for human rights violations.