Iran's Internet Blackout: A Dark Move to Silence Protests
Iran's government has once again cut off the country's internet connection. This time, it seems even Starlink, a satellite internet service, is being blocked. The move comes as protests sweep the nation, fueled by economic struggles and government policies.
Internet Shutdowns: A Recurring Issue
The internet shutdown is not new for Iran. It happened before in:
- 2019 during fuel price protests
- 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by the morality police for not wearing her hijab properly.
Both times, hundreds of people were killed in the crackdowns.
Starlink: A Lifeline Under Threat
Starlink has been a lifeline for many Iranians. It allows them to connect to the world when the government shuts down the regular internet. But now, it's facing troubles too.
Challenges Faced by Starlink
- GPS Signal Disruption: Iran has been disrupting GPS signals since its conflict with Israel last year. Starlink relies on these signals to work. This disruption is causing many data packets to be lost, making it hard to use.
- Legal Risks: Using Starlink is risky. It's illegal in Iran, and those caught using it could face severe punishment.
The Struggle for Information
Without Starlink, the world knows even less about what's happening inside the country. Protesters are facing extreme violence from security forces. Without help soon, these protests might fade away like others before.
Government's Efforts to Block Starlink
The Iranian government is also trying to stop Starlink's service in the country. They've been pushing for this at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a United Nations agency. Meanwhile, the agency has asked Iran to stop jamming signals in the past.
