TL;DR
Internet-monitoring group NetBlocks reported that Iran has been largely offline for 96 hours as protests continue. Fixed-line internet, mobile data and phone calls have been disabled and other communication channels are increasingly being targeted, a move NetBlocks says limits reporting and accountability over civilian deaths.
What happened
NetBlocks, an organization that tracks global internet connectivity, reported on Jan. 12, 2026 that Iran has been largely offline for 96 hours. According to the group, fixed-line internet access, mobile data and telephone calls have been disabled nationwide while additional communication channels are being increasingly targeted. NetBlocks said the connectivity restrictions are constraining reporting and accountability around civilian deaths amid ongoing protests in the country, where demonstrators are said to be demanding change. The post did not provide casualty numbers, an official explanation for the outages, or a timeline for restoration. The report is limited to NetBlocks’ public update; independent confirmation, government statements and detailed regional breakdowns were not included in the post.
Why it matters
- Severe connectivity restrictions make independent reporting and external scrutiny of events on the ground difficult.
- Cutting fixed-line and mobile services disrupts routine communication for civilians, journalists and civil society.
- Broad targeting of communication channels can limit accountability around reported civilian deaths and impede information flow.
- Extended national outages can complicate verification of claims and slow international monitoring or response.
Key facts
- NetBlocks published an update stating Iran has been offline for 96 hours.
- The group reported that fixed-line internet, mobile data and phone calls have been disabled.
- NetBlocks said other communication means are being increasingly targeted.
- The update framed the outage as limiting reporting and accountability over civilian deaths amid protests.
- The report was posted on Jan. 12, 2026 by NetBlocks.
- The post did not include casualty figures, an official cause, or a timetable for service restoration.
- Independent verification and regional detail were not provided in the NetBlocks update.
What to watch next
- Whether and when internet and phone services are restored — not confirmed in the source
- Any official statement from Iranian authorities explaining the outages — not confirmed in the source
- Independent verification of reported civilian deaths and casualty figures — not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Internet blackout: A broad disruption or shutdown of internet access across a region or country, which can be implemented at network or service-provider levels.
- Fixed-line internet: Internet service delivered over physical infrastructure such as fiber, copper telephone lines, or cable connections to homes and businesses.
- Mobile data: Wireless internet access provided over cellular networks to smartphones and other mobile devices.
- NetBlocks: An organization that monitors internet connectivity and documents network disruptions worldwide.
- Accountability: The process by which actions and events are documented and examined, enabling oversight, reporting and potential legal or political consequences.
Reader FAQ
Who reported the outage?
The internet-monitoring group NetBlocks published the update.
How long has Iran been offline?
NetBlocks reported the country had been largely offline for 96 hours.
Which services are affected?
NetBlocks said fixed-line internet, mobile data and phone calls are disabled and other communication means are being increasingly targeted.
Why did the shutdown happen?
Not confirmed in the source.
Are there confirmed casualty figures?
NetBlocks said the outage limits reporting and accountability over civilian deaths, but numbers were not provided — not confirmed in the source.
NetBlocks @netblocks Update: #Iran has now been offline for 96 hours, limiting reporting and accountability over civilian deaths as Iranians protest and demand change; fixed-line internet, mobile data and calls…
Sources
- Iran has now been offline for 96 hours
- 'People die in the dark': experts decry Iran's 'worst internet …
- Iran flips 'kill switch' to hide alleged crimes as death toll …
- Nationwide internet blackout reported in Iran as protests …
Related posts
- Businesses are increasingly vetting AI tools for security, WEF survey finds
- Betterment confirms customer data breach after crypto phishing messages sent
- Paramount sues Warner Bros. Discovery for financial disclosure in Netflix deal