Iran's digital darkness persists. According to the latest data from internet watchdog Netblocks, the government-imposed internet blockade has entered its third week, surpassing 504 hours, making it one of the longest sustained nationwide internet outages ever recorded by the organization.
Escalated Control: Only Thousands Still Have International Access
Netblocks notes that since the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and the U.S.-Israel coalition, authorities swiftly cut international internet connections and forced users onto a state-controlled intranet called the "National Information Network." This intranet requires identity verification and only allows access to government-approved websites. By hour 504, only a few circumvention tools remained functional, as authorities intensified crackdowns on satellite devices and non-whitelisted VPNs.
Alp Toker, director of Netblocks, told Middle East Eye: "This is the most persistent large-scale internet blackout we have detected in a highly connected society, and it is among the three longest outages in our records." It is estimated that only thousands of users still maintain international internet connectivity, primarily pre-approved organizations or individuals.
Starlink Targeted: Hundreds of Terminals Seized
Iranian authorities have taken harsh measures against Starlink satellite internet terminals. On March 17, Iran's intelligence department announced the seizure of hundreds of Starlink terminals in a "complex and widespread" operation. Intelligence officials claimed these devices were used "to serve the enemy" and emphasized that possessing and using Starlink is a crime under Iranian law, carrying "the most severe punishments, especially for those associated with or working for the enemy."
Although Starlink terminals are expensive and scarce on the black market, some users still attempt to bypass the blockade. However, with increased government surveillance and raids, this route has become extremely dangerous.
Regular VPNs Useless: International Access Limited to Whitelist
Common virtual private networks (VPNs) are almost entirely ineffective against Iran's current firewall. The government has established a whitelist system, only allowing specific organizations to access the international internet. Even paid VPNs fail to penetrate the layered blockade for ordinary citizens.
Toker concluded: "Overall, the number of people with any degree of international access is understood to be in the low thousands or tens of thousands, primarily those who have been pre-approved by the state depending on the day's restriction level."
Impact and Outlook
This blackout, exceeding 360 hours, has severely disrupted daily life and economic activities. Schools, businesses, healthcare, and cryptocurrency trading—sectors reliant on the internet—are nearly paralyzed. For the crypto community, inability to access the global internet means mining, trading, and DeFi participation are impossible, and asset transfers and compliance operations face major obstacles.
There is no sign that the Iranian government will lift the blockade soon. Analysts believe that as long as the military conflict continues, internet control may tighten further, keeping Iranian citizens in digital darkness.