Censorship and Internet Shutdowns During the January 2026 Protests

Technical Methods Used for Censorship

Iran employs advanced filtering and shutdown techniques, including:

• Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): To identify and block specific content or keywords related to protests.
• IP Blocking: Preventing access to specific websites or servers hosting protest content.
• DNS Filtering: Redirecting or blocking domain name requests.
• Mobile Network Shutdowns: Disabling 3G/4G/5G services, particularly in protest hotspots.
• Satellite Disruptions: Limited use of satellite jamming to prevent external communication.

Impact of Technical Measures

These methods significantly hampered protesters’ ability to communicate and coordinate, often leaving citizens isolated and vulnerable to security forces. Journalists and international observers faced difficulties in verifying events on the ground.