The Impact of Internet Restrictions on Civilian Safety in Iran

In Iran, the ongoing conflict has led to a significant decline in internet connectivity, dropping to approximately 1 percent of normal levels, according to monitoring groups like NetBlocks. This situation is not a typical outage; rather, it reflects a targeted effort by the Iranian government to suppress civilian communication while maintaining its own messaging capabilities. Authorities are utilizing centralized gateways and tools such as Deep Packet Inspection to filter access, allowing state-aligned media to continue disseminating information while limiting the public's ability to communicate.

Newsweek

The strategy of controlling communications during crises is not unique to Iran. Historical precedents include widespread internet blackouts during the Arab Spring in countries like Egypt, Libya, and Syria, where governments restricted access to hinder protest coordination. More recently, Pakistan experienced mobile blackouts during its 2024 elections, and Bangladesh imposed an 11-day nationwide blackout amid protests over job quotas. These actions illustrate a broader trend where governments under threat manipulate information flows to maintain control over the narrative.

Newsweek

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed concern that Iran's internet restrictions have left millions without access to crucial safety information during hostilities. The inability to communicate complicates life-saving decisions, such as verifying evacuation warnings or locating hospitals. In modern conflicts, connectivity is essential for civilian protection, as it facilitates coordination for aid distribution and emergency responses. When authorities deliberately restrict communication while preserving their own channels, it poses significant risks to civilian safety.

Newsweek

Despite the humanitarian implications of internet shutdowns, the international community often frames these issues as matters of digital governance rather than urgent humanitarian crises. Humanitarian organizations typically prioritize food, medicine, and shelter, often overlooking the critical role of communication in emergencies. This outdated perspective fails to recognize that effective communication is foundational for coordinating aid and ensuring civilian safety during conflicts.

Newsweek

While there are technical solutions to enhance communication resilience, such as mesh networking tools and satellite terminals, these methods are not universally reliable and can carry risks for users under government scrutiny. Effective protection of civilian communication requires proactive measures, including pre-positioned infrastructure and stronger legal frameworks that recognize deliberate blackouts as potential humanitarian violations.

Newsweek

• “When communication channels disappear, those decisions become far more difficult—and far more dangerous.” — United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

Newsweek

• “The silence is where real damage is also done.” — Saul Hudson, CEO of Angle42

Newsweek

In conclusion, the current situation in Iran highlights the critical need for the international community to address internet restrictions as humanitarian issues, recognizing their profound impact on civilian safety during conflicts.

Newsweek