Iran’s Internet Blackout Enters Day 12, Raises Fears of Permanent Digital Isolation

Iran’s nationwide internet shutdown has entered its 12th day, with connectivity reportedly hovering around just 1 percent, leaving nearly 90 million people largely cut off from the outside world. Phone calls are unreliable, SMS services are blocked, and access to global platforms remains almost entirely severed.

The blackout began on January 8, after widespread protests erupted across the country. Monitoring group NetBlocks has confirmed that the disruption is an “engineered shutdown,” not a technical failure, suggesting deliberate state action to restrict information flow during the unrest.

Reports indicate the situation may soon become permanent. Iranian authorities are said to be finalising plans for an “Absolute Digital Isolation” system, developed with technical support from Huawei and Chinese partners. Under the proposed framework, only vetted individuals and institutions would be allowed limited, heavily filtered internet access, while the general population remains confined to a closed domestic network.

Critics warn that Iran is effectively moving toward a North Korea–style internet model, using advanced foreign technology to enforce strict digital controls under the banner of national security. If implemented, the current blackout could mark a turning point, transforming a temporary emergency measure into a long-term reality for Iranian citizens.