Iran’s Internet Takes 36-Hour Vacation, Still Answers Government Calls
KEY POINTS
- •Iran imposed an internet blackout starting January 10, 2026, cutting 90% of its traffic to quell protests.
- •Digital rights expert Amir Rashidi reported that domestic mobile phones lost service and international calls also failed.
- •Despite the blackout, certain government communications were selectively allowed, indicating a sophisticated, prolonged shutdown strategy.
In the spirit of digitized hide-and-seek, Iran’s internet shut down 90% of its traffic starting January 10, 2026, leaving users wondering if their WiFi had suddenly signed a silent protest. Amir Rashidi, self-appointed digital misery expert, confirmed domestic mobiles dropped calls like bad habits, while international ringing seemed blocked more thoroughly than a telemarketer. Meanwhile, some government communications carried on in stealth mode, proving selective blackout means refusing your texts but still answering the boss’s emails. Experts call it a 'new high-water mark' in internet strangulation — picture the internet held underwater while the government chit-chats. This blackout is playing hard to get and might stick around longer than leftovers after a three-day party.
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Iran’s internet shutdown chops 90% of traffic but keeps government calls going—because why cut off spam when you only want the annoying VIPs?
Iran pulled an internet vanishing act that leaves 90% of users in digital ghost town while their government keeps a hotline open. Ghosting gone state-sponsored.
When your internet blocks everyone except officials, it’s like throwing a party and only inviting the person giving lectures about party rules.
Source: Theguardian | Published: 1/10/2026 | Author: Aisha Down
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