Amidst the escalating protests, Iran's theocratic government has taken a drastic step, cutting off all external communication channels. As of Thursday evening, the Islamic Republic's 85 million citizens have been disconnected from the global network, including the internet and telephone lines. This move comes as a response to the nationwide protests sparked by Iran's struggling economy, posing a significant challenge to the government's authority. The decision severely restricts the public's ability to share images and accounts of the protests, potentially enabling a violent crackdown. The Trump administration's warning about consequences for further deaths among demonstrators adds to the tension. The Iranian diaspora is in a state of panic, with loved ones anxiously awaiting any news from their family and friends. This is the third time Iran has shut down external internet access, with previous instances during protests in 2019 and 2022, resulting in numerous casualties. The deployment of Starlink receivers in Iran has become crucial for sharing information, despite the service being illegal. However, the government's disruption of GPS signals and potential use of mobile jammers pose challenges to Starlink's functionality, raising concerns about the safety of those using the devices. The world is now relying on these unconventional methods to gather information from within Iran, as the government's actions limit traditional communication channels.
