The Silencing of Iran: How Internet Shutdowns Impact Students and Families
The recent internet shutdown in Iran, now stretching into its 18th day as of late January 2026, is more than a technological disruption. It’s a human crisis, particularly for students at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) with family and friends in Iran. The blackout isn’t simply an inconvenience; it’s a source of intense anxiety and fear, disrupting daily life and hindering access to vital information.
A Lifeline Severed: The Emotional Toll
For students like Mahsa Amininasab, the internet shutdown has been a deeply traumatizing experience. The inability to connect with loved ones creates a terrifying uncertainty. “I’ve been looking at my phone every single day and night, waiting to hear from my family or my friends… I didn’t know if they were okay, if they were hiding, hurt or even if they were still alive,” Amininasab shared. This constant worry impacts students’ ability to focus on their studies, leading to sleep deprivation and diminished well-being.
The disruption extends beyond immediate family. Professor Homa Esfarjani notes that the lack of communication can be particularly dangerous in emergency situations, hindering access to medical care and essential services. Without information, panic sets in and the ability to respond effectively to crises is severely compromised.
Beyond Personal Connections: The Wider Implications
The shutdown isn’t isolated to personal anxieties. It coincides with ongoing protests in Iran and abroad, including demonstrations in Los Angeles, New York, and Germany. These protests call for international attention to the restrictions on free speech within Iran. Iranian officials have responded to the protests with arrests and threats, with rights groups reporting thousands detained, according to CBS News.
NetBlocks, an internet watchdog group, has documented the significant drop in internet connectivity during the shutdown, noting temporary and sporadic access. This intermittent access only exacerbates the anxiety, offering false hope followed by renewed silence.
The Broader Trend: State Control of Information
Iran’s internet shutdown is part of a growing global trend of governments restricting access to information during times of political unrest. While the law of Iran does not require a permit to make video recordings in private homes, the government has demonstrated a willingness to curtail online access to suppress dissent. This raises concerns about the future of digital freedom and the potential for similar shutdowns in other countries.
Esha Momeni, an Iranian-American scholar and women’s rights activist who was herself arrested in Iran in 2008 while working on a documentary about the One Million Signatures Campaign, understands the risks firsthand. Her case highlights the vulnerability of activists and journalists operating in restrictive environments.
Future Risks and Potential Solutions
As reliance on digital communication grows, the impact of internet shutdowns will likely intensify. The consequences extend beyond immediate safety concerns, affecting economic activity, education, and access to essential services.
Potential solutions include:
- International Pressure: Increased diplomatic pressure on governments to respect digital rights and refrain from implementing internet shutdowns.
- Circumvention Tools: Development and wider availability of tools that allow citizens to bypass censorship and access information.
- Decentralized Networks: Exploration of decentralized internet technologies that are less vulnerable to government control.
FAQ
Q: What is NetBlocks?
A: NetBlocks is an internet watchdog group that monitors internet connectivity and reports on shutdowns and censorship.
Q: What was the One Million Signatures Campaign?
A: The One Million Signatures Campaign was a non-political organization launched by women in Iran in 2006 advocating for changes to discriminatory laws.
Q: Why is internet access important during a crisis?
A: Internet access is crucial for receiving updates, coordinating assistance, and ensuring the safety of loved ones during emergencies.
Q: What can students do to support those affected by the Iranian internet shutdown?
A: Students can raise awareness about the issue, advocate for digital rights, and support organizations working to provide assistance to those affected.
Did you know? Iran experienced widespread protests in November 2022 following the death of Kian Pirfalak, a 9-year-aged boy killed during unrest.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about internet freedom issues by following organizations like NetBlocks and Reporters Without Borders.
This situation underscores the critical importance of internet access as a fundamental human right. The silence imposed by the shutdown is a stark reminder that communication is not a luxury, but a lifeline.
Desire to learn more? Explore additional resources on digital rights and internet freedom at NetBlocks.org.
