Iran experienced a nationwide internet blackout on Thursday amidst widespread protests against dire economic conditions. Internet monitoring groups reported a near-total shutdown, a tactic previously used by the government during crises to quell dissent and limit information flow. Experts believe this shutdown aims to sever protesters' communication and suppress coverage of the ongoing demonstrations.

Iran experienced a nationwide internet blackout on Thursday amidst widespread protests against dire economic conditions. Internet monitoring groups reported a near-total shutdown, a tactic previously used by the government during crises to quell dissent and limit information flow. Experts believe this shutdown aims to sever protesters' communication and suppress coverage of the ongoing demonstrations.

As protests swelled around the country, Iran’s internet was shut down, and the heads of its judiciary and its security services warned of a harsh response amid calls for “freedom, freedom.”

Internet connectivity data collected on Thursday showed that the country went almost completely offline, as the government cracks down on protesters.