Iran Claims Calm as Digital Blackout Eases Amid Protests

Iran has intensified efforts to project a sense of normalcy as the country experiences a prolonged digital blackout amid ongoing protests. According to NetBlocks, an organization monitoring internet access, the blackout reached its 238th hour on January 16, 2023, with reports of a “significant return” of some online services, including Google. This development suggests that heavily filtered access to the internet may be gradually resuming.

State media, notably the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), has been promoting narratives that Tehran is calm following weeks of intense demonstrations. Outlets like Viory, linked to Russian media, have aired content suggesting peace has returned to the capital. In one broadcast, IRIB showcased families skiing, with a narrator stating, “People are enjoying the beautiful snowfall.” Yet, the Jerusalem Post was unable to independently verify this footage.

As of mid-January, most Iranians remained largely disconnected from the outside world, having endured over 200 hours of limited internet access. Only select state-aligned outlets and users with special “white SIM cards” could connect online, according to Iran International. IRIB has claimed that new footage is surfacing, depicting protesters as “armed aggressors.” This narrative coincides with the 21st day of protests in Iran and the 10th day of the media blackout.

The videos being circulated by IRIB are reportedly from early January, coinciding with the onset of the blackout, during which numerous protesters are believed to have been killed by government forces. In a bid to present an image of stability, IRIB announced that schools and universities reopened on January 15, highlighting attempts by the Iranian Judiciary to differentiate between innocent civilians and the protest leaders. They stated, “We are doing our best to distinguish between those who were deceived and the main leaders of the riots, so that no one is wronged.”

The Iranian government has long maintained a model of internet censorship. According to Filterwatch, a watchdog focused on digital rights in Iran, the regime’s current strategy reflects a shift toward “absolute digital isolation.” This approach suggests that unrestricted internet access may not be available to Iranians for the foreseeable future.

As authorities attempt to control the narrative and suppress dissent, the impact of these actions on the ground remains uncertain. The ongoing protests, fueled by a range of grievances, are a significant challenge for the Iranian leadership, which is facing increasing scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.