Watchdog reports ‘nationwide internet blackout’ in Iran as protests mount

A nationwide internet blackout was reported in Iran on Thursday, online watchdog Netblocks said, as the death toll mounts from a crackdown by authorities after 12 days of economic protests.

“Live metrics show Iran is now in the midst of a nationwide internet blackout. The incident follows a series of escalating digital censorship measures targeting protests across the country and hinders the public’s right to communicate at a critical moment,” the group said in a statement on social media.