Iran's conflict with the U.S.-Israel coalition has taken a heavy toll not only on the battlefield but also on digital freedom. The country's near-total internet blockade has now lasted for 35 consecutive days, with connectivity hovering at a mere 1% of normal levels, according to internet observatory Netblocks. The group reported that the blackout has exceeded 816 hours. "The general public remain cut off from the world without vital updates and without a voice as the incident closes its fifth week," Netblocks stated.
Blockade Exceeds 815 Hours
Since the start of hostilities, the Iranian regime has enforced a strict digital siege via the National Information Network (NIN), a domestic intranet. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed the move was for "protecting the people." However, critics say it strips citizens of basic communication rights. Netblocks data shows nationwide connectivity has flatlined at roughly 1% for over a month, cutting off access to global websites, social media, and messaging apps.
Citizens Risk Lives to Bypass
Desperate for outside information, many Iranians have turned to specialized VPNs that can still pierce the NIN barrier, and to Tor's Snowflake feature. But security forces are cracking down hard. Reports indicate authorities routinely check phones for such tools. Anyone caught can face severe punishment, including long imprisonment or even the death penalty. The risk of using these circumvention methods is at its peak, with random phone inspections becoming common in public spaces.
Starlink Use Punishable by Death
Starlink satellite terminals have long been illegal in Iran, and their possession can carry a death sentence under current law. While some citizens still try to buy them on the black market, the government has deployed electronic jamming strategies targeting Starlink's satellite links, further degrading their functionality.
Whitelist Regime: Only the Connected Elite
Not all Iranians are locked out. Netblocks reports that only state-approved influencers and regime officials are whitelisted to access the open internet. The rest remain trapped inside the NIN digital wall, denied even basic news and communication. This digital apartheid is expected to continue as long as the conflict lasts, with no sign of lifting.