Since June 18, Iran has been experiencing a total internet blackout, the most severe since 2019, according to monitoring group NetBlocks. More than 90 million people currently have no access to online information in a country where repression is systematic and independent media have virtually disappeared.
The Iranian regime has developed a technological infrastructure designed to censor, monitor, and block internet access. Since 2019, such shutdowns have been used to suppress protests and stifle dissent. However, the current context, marked by conflict with Israel, makes the situation even more dire, millions of citizens are unable to communicate with loved ones in high-risk areas or access breaking news.
Journalists on the ground are also unable to carry out their work, severely limiting the public’s right to know.
This mass censorship is not only a threat to press freedom, but also a grave violation of human rights that must be urgently condemned by the global community.
At Free Press Alliance, we issue an urgent call to the international community, governments, and human rights organizations to pressure Iranian authorities to immediately restore internet access. Forced silence not only undermines press freedom, but also threatens the dignity, safety, and right of millions of people to stay informed.