Iran has shut down its entire internet in a desperate bid to quash nationwide anti-government protests that have been escalating in recent days. The move, confirmed by multiple sources and observed by CBS News, effectively renders social media platforms, messaging apps, and online news outlets inaccessible across the country.
As protesters took to the streets in cities like Tehran, Karaj, and Isfahan, authorities appear to be increasingly concerned about the spread of information and footage that could galvanize opposition. The blackout has already had a significant impact, as videos and images of protests have been blocked by censors and online content is being scrubbed from social media platforms.
Experts warn that this move is a classic tactic used by authoritarian regimes to silence dissent and restrict free expression. "When the internet is taken offline, it's often a sign that the authorities are trying to prevent the spread of information that could fuel unrest," said Andrew Boyd, former chief of operations for the CIA Counterterrorism Mission Center. The blackout also highlights the growing dependence on digital platforms in modern protests, as well-known hashtags and social media handles are often used by protesters to coordinate their actions.
While some reports suggest that certain government-run websites may still be accessible within Iran, the vast majority of online activity remains blocked, leaving many to wonder how much longer this measure can remain effective. As the situation on the ground continues to unfold, CBS News will continue to provide updates and analysis from our team of correspondents in the region.
As protesters took to the streets in cities like Tehran, Karaj, and Isfahan, authorities appear to be increasingly concerned about the spread of information and footage that could galvanize opposition. The blackout has already had a significant impact, as videos and images of protests have been blocked by censors and online content is being scrubbed from social media platforms.
Experts warn that this move is a classic tactic used by authoritarian regimes to silence dissent and restrict free expression. "When the internet is taken offline, it's often a sign that the authorities are trying to prevent the spread of information that could fuel unrest," said Andrew Boyd, former chief of operations for the CIA Counterterrorism Mission Center. The blackout also highlights the growing dependence on digital platforms in modern protests, as well-known hashtags and social media handles are often used by protesters to coordinate their actions.
While some reports suggest that certain government-run websites may still be accessible within Iran, the vast majority of online activity remains blocked, leaving many to wonder how much longer this measure can remain effective. As the situation on the ground continues to unfold, CBS News will continue to provide updates and analysis from our team of correspondents in the region.
! Shutting down their internet is like, super lame 
. It's not gonna stop people from speaking out, they're just gonna use other means to organize and protest 
. And let's be real, the gov't is just trying to silence dissent and control info flow 
. Like, didn't we learn anything from history? authoritarian regimes are always trying this stuff 
. The fact that ppl are already using alternative ways to share vids & pics of protests shows they're not gonna back down 
#IranProtests #SilencingDissent #FreeSpeechMatters
... they're basically cutting off their own citizens' lifeline to the world, just to keep them from finding out what's going on 
... but still, you'd think there'd be some way to, like, communicate with people or something without resorting to total internet lockdown 
... and what's the point of trying to suppress info when everyone's already glued to their screens? 
... it's just this whole situation feels so... so... dystopian 
OMG you guys I am literally shaking right now thinking about what Iran is doing 
I mean come on who tries to silence a nation's voice in this day and age? It's like they think we're all just going to sit around twiddling our thumbs while they do whatever they want 
. But for people in Iran... it's just not right 
This move by Iran is so predictable and scary at the same time. It's like they're trying to take us back to the dark ages of information control 
. I just hope this doesn't lead to more chaos and bloodshed... my heart is already heavy for those people suffering there 
what a crazy move by the Iranians! shutting down the whole internet is like, super extreme 
gotta see how this drama unfolds & what happens 2 the protesters 
this is like a big internet speed bump for Iran... who needs social media when you've got good old-fashioned face-to-face protesting 
. and isn't it always fun when authoritarian regimes try to shut down the internet, only to have it come back like a bad case of digital indigestion 
It's also interesting to see how this highlights the growing dependence on social media for protests. I mean, can you imagine trying to organize a protest without Twitter or Instagram? 
. This just shows how reliant we are on social media and online platforms for info, and it's crazy that governments can just shut them off like that 
. It's also pretty sad that protesters have to resort to this kinda thing, I mean shouldn't they be able to express themselves without being blocked or censored? 
! The government's attempt to shut down the internet is a clear example of how they're desperate to keep people quiet 
It's like they're trying to silence dissent by taking away the very thing that allows people to express themselves. I'm keeping an eye on this situation and hoping for a peaceful resolution, but it's clear that the government has no intention of listening to their citizens' concerns 
! its like, they r literally tryna stifle all da voices that dont agree w/ them 
. i mean we all kno its not right, but still... 
u gotta respect ppl's rights 2 free expression 
️. I can imagine it getting really out of hand if this blackout continues...