Censorship and Internet Shutdowns During the January 2026 Protests

Building a Resilient Digital Future

The 2026 protests in Iran highlight both the vulnerabilities and the resilience of digital activism under authoritarian repression. While regimes attempt to control and shut down digital spaces, innovative technologies and resilient communities find ways to adapt and continue their fight for freedom.

The international community, governments, civil society, and technology companies must collaborate to create a future where access to information remains a fundamental human right. Investment in censorship-resistant technologies, legal protections, and digital literacy is essential to safeguard this right against emerging authoritarian threats.