Censorship and Internet Shutdowns During the January 2026 Protests
Government Strategies: Censorship and Shutdowns
Legal and Technological Frameworks
Iran’s government has long employed a combination of legal restrictions and technological tools to control online activity. Laws criminalize unauthorized online activism, and the state controls major internet gateways, enabling them to filter and block content.
Deployment of Internet Shutdowns
During the 2026 protests, authorities activated a series of coordinated internet shutdowns. These measures included:
- Throttling: Slowing internet speeds to hinder content sharing.
- Filtering: Blocking access to social media platforms and messaging apps.
- Complete Blackouts: Severing internet access entirely in specific regions, especially during peak protest periods.
Timeline of Shutdowns
- Early January: Initial throttling begins in Tehran and other major cities.
- January 8-9: Partial and then complete shutdowns coincide with large protests.
- January 15-20: Widespread blackouts during critical moments of unrest.
- Post-January 21: Internet access remains heavily restricted, with sporadic partial restorations.
