Iran's Fifth Internet Blackout Highlights Routine Authoritarian Control
By
Holly Dagres
Summary
Iran has experienced five internet blackouts since February 28, with the latest one ending on May 26. These routine shutdowns are imposed during anti-regime uprisings and wars, serving as a tool of authoritarian control. The blackouts cut off millions of Iranians from the outside world, separating diaspora families and creating a sense of imprisonment. Social media posts after the restoration of service revealed the emotional toll, with users describing the experience as being in solitary confinement. The article argues that such internet shutdowns are an inevitable and recurring feature of Iran's governance strategy.
Source
bskyIran's Fifth Internet Blackout Highlights Routine Authoritarian Controltheatlantic.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledHello from Iran's prison after three months. We came from solitary confinement to the general ward.
Flipping the kill switch is a potent exercise of authoritarian control.
Video calls reunited diaspora families who had spent three months staring at a single checkmark on WhatsApp.
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