Fact Check: "Iran's internet blackout has lasted over 24 hours."
What We Know
Recent reports indicate that Iran has experienced significant internet disruptions, particularly in October 2023. According to FilterWatch, internet users faced widespread outages ranging from complete blackouts to severe disturbances. The Iranian Minister of Communications announced scheduled internet disruptions from October 7 to October 11, 2023, for infrastructure updates. However, these disruptions extended beyond the announced dates and affected areas not initially included in the blackout schedule.
On October 8, 2023, it was reported that Iranians were largely cut off from the internet for over 24 hours, marking one of the most severe internet shutdowns since the protests in November 2019 (RFE/RL). The Iranian government has a history of implementing internet blackouts during periods of unrest, as seen during the protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, where localized internet cuts were reported (Freedom House).
Analysis
The claim that "Iran's internet blackout has lasted over 24 hours" is supported by multiple sources. The RFE/RL report confirms that the blackout lasted more than 24 hours, indicating a significant disruption to internet access across the country. This aligns with the findings from FilterWatch, which noted that the disruptions exceeded the duration reported by the Ministry of Communications and affected a broader area than initially stated.
However, it is important to note that while the blackout lasted over 24 hours, the extent of the disruption varied across different regions. Some areas experienced complete outages, while others faced severe connectivity issues. The Iranian government often justifies such blackouts as necessary for national security or infrastructure development, which raises questions about the reliability of official statements regarding the nature and duration of these disruptions.
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with FilterWatch being a dedicated monitoring service for internet censorship, and RFE/RL being a well-respected news organization. However, the Iranian government's statements regarding internet disruptions are often viewed with skepticism due to their history of censorship and misinformation.
Conclusion
Verdict: Partially True
The claim that "Iran's internet blackout has lasted over 24 hours" is partially true. While there is substantial evidence to confirm that the blackout did indeed last for over 24 hours, the situation was complex, with varying degrees of internet access across different regions. The Iranian government's history of implementing internet blackouts during times of unrest further complicates the narrative, as it often uses such measures to control information and suppress dissent.
