Fact Check: Iran's internet blackout has lasted over 24 hours amid conflict.

Fact Check: "Iran's internet blackout has lasted over 24 hours amid conflict."

What We Know

Iran has been experiencing a significant internet blackout that began on Wednesday night, as reported by multiple sources. According to NetBlocks, a monitoring group that tracks internet outages, Iran was disconnected from the global internet for over 36 hours. This blackout coincided with ongoing military conflicts between Iran and Israel, where Israel has conducted airstrikes targeting Iranian facilities. The Iranian government has stated that the internet restrictions were implemented in response to Israeli cyberattacks, which further limited the public's ability to communicate and access information (NBC News).

Reports indicate that the blackout has severely affected connectivity, with only a few users able to access the internet through virtual private networks (VPNs) (Wired). This situation reflects a historical pattern in Iran, where the government has previously restricted internet access during times of civil unrest or military conflict.

Analysis

The claim that "Iran's internet blackout has lasted over 24 hours amid conflict" is supported by credible sources. The blackout began on Wednesday night and was confirmed to have lasted over 36 hours by NetBlocks and NBC News. The information provided by these organizations is reliable, as they specialize in monitoring internet connectivity and have a track record of reporting on similar incidents accurately.

Furthermore, the Iranian government's acknowledgment of the blackout as a response to external threats, particularly from Israel, adds context to the situation. This aligns with previous actions taken by the Iranian government during conflicts, suggesting a pattern of restricting internet access to control information flow and manage public response (NBC News). The reliability of these sources is bolstered by their established expertise in the field of digital rights and internet monitoring.

However, it is essential to consider potential biases. While NetBlocks and NBC News are generally regarded as reputable, the framing of the situation can vary based on the political context. For instance, Iranian state media may present a different narrative regarding the reasons for the blackout, emphasizing external aggression rather than internal control.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Iran's internet blackout has lasted over 24 hours amid conflict" is accurate. The blackout has been confirmed to last over 36 hours, significantly impacting the ability of Iranians to communicate and access information during a period of heightened military conflict with Israel. The evidence from credible monitoring organizations and news outlets supports this assertion.