Censorship and Internet Shutdowns During the January 2026 Protests

The January 2026 protests in Iran marked a pivotal moment in the country’s recent history, reflecting widespread discontent with economic hardship, political repression, and social inequality. These protests, which erupted across major cities including Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, and Shiraz, represented a significant challenge to the Iranian government’s longstanding control over information and civil expression.

In an era increasingly defined by digital connectivity, the Iranian authorities employed a range of censorship tactics and internet shutdowns to suppress the movement. The regime’s reliance on digital control measures aimed to prevent the dissemination of protest footage, hinder organization efforts, and isolate the population from international support networks.

This report explores the multifaceted phenomenon of internet censorship and shutdowns in Iran during these protests, analyzing the technological, political, and social dimensions of the regime’s digital repression. It also examines the broader implications for civil liberties, media freedom, and the role of technology in modern civil resistance.

January 24, 2026 | 6:50 pm