Iranians offline for over 90 hours as digital blackout continues for fifth day – here's everything we know

• Iran's digital blackout continues for the fifth consecutive day
• Starlink connections are still being targeted, but access depends on location
• Experts urge authorities to restore internet access

Iranians have been offline for at least 96 hours as the country's digital blackout continues for the fifth consecutive day. Authorities cut off all communications starting on Thursday amid growing anti-government protests.

Internet watchdog NetBlocks and other sources confirmed that internet connectivity remains near zero on Monday morning, impacting over 90 million people in the country.

The latest data confirms that the internet shutdown persists at the time of publication. "Fixed-line internet, mobile data, and calls are disabled, while other communication means are also increasingly being targeted," said NetBlocks.

As previously reported, Starlink connections have also been affected. Filterbaan – an Iranian digital rights organization – confirms that jamming of Starlink resumed on Saturday night. Therefore, "many users who had been connected via Starlink in recent days have been unable to reconnect" according to experts.

However, local reports are now suggesting that Starlink disruptions may not be uniform across the country.

Iran state-controlled media group IRIB News Agency have published a list of domestic applications citizens can use. These include a domestic search engine, maps and news agencies.

Filterbaan says the existence of the list suggests "that the government does not intend to return the internet to its pre-protest status.

VPN services cannot help Iranians get back online, as these tools need a functioning internet connection to work.

Under these circumstances, experts suggest switching to shortwave/HAM radio communications, direct-to-Cell satellite, or mesh networks to try staying connected. Amir Rashidi, Director of Internet Security and Digital Rights at the Miaan Group, confirmed that tools such as Delta Chat and the Ceno Browser "are also working and are useful."

The digital blackout hasn't stopped citizens from protesting. The BBC reported that hundreds of protesters have been killed and even more detained to take part in demonstrations.

But the internet restrictions are "limiting reporting and accountability over civilian deaths as Iranians protest and demand change," according to NetBlocks.

"A disconnection of a nation from the world"

As the world continues to monitor the situation in Iran, a coalition of more than 30 internet experts, published a joint statement condemning Iran's shutdown.

They argue that the internet is a "foundational instrument" for human connection, the country's economy, and the free flow of information.

"This action is not a matter of internal traffic management; it is a disconnection of a nation from the world," they write.

Signatories call on authorities in Iran to immediately restore full, unfiltered internet access. They also urge the international technical community to monitor connectivity and support efforts that ensure the internet remains open, interoperable, and accessible to all.

"The internet belongs to everyone. It must not be weaponized against the people it was built to serve."

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