ARTICLE 19 condemns the nationwide shutdown of internet, phone, and mobile networks imposed by Iranian authorities on 8 January amid escalating protests. Since the protests began, independent reports indicate that at least 34 people have been killed and more than 2,200 individuals have been arrested, including protesters, students, journalists, and human rights defenders. The blackout has occurred at a critical moment for civic engagement and public safety, cutting off millions of people from essential communication channels and obstructing independent reporting of events on the ground.
The deliberate disruption of internet access violates multiple norms of international human rights law. Iran is a State Party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which guarantees the rights to freedom of opinion and expression (Article 19) and peaceful assembly (Article 21). Blanket internet shutdowns fail to meet the strict tests of legality, necessity, and proportionality required under international law. The UN Human Rights Council has explicitly condemned intentional disruptions to online access and has repeatedly affirmed that such shutdowns are incompatible with international human rights standards.
Access to the internet enables individuals to seek, receive, and share information; to organise peacefully, and to document and report human rights violations. State-imposed blackouts not only suppress dissent but also jeopardise access to emergency services, healthcare, legal assistance, livelihoods, and communication with friends and family, placing lives at risk.
ARTICLE 19 reiterates that internet access is a fundamental enabler of freedom of expression and access to information. We call for the immediate and unconditional restoration of communications systems, full internet connectivity, cessation of all intentional disruptions, and an end to the use of digital censorship and surveillance to silence peaceful expression.
The ability to communicate freely, access information, and participate in public life, both online and offline, is foundational to human dignity, accountability, and justice.