Iran keeps pro-government voices online amid widespread internet blackout
Mar 10th 2026
During nationwide protests Iran implemented near-total internet restrictions for the public while allowing state-aligned outlets and loyal voices to keep operating online, narrowing independent reporting and shaping the flow of information.
- Authorities imposed widespread internet shutdowns and severe throttling across many cities during recent protests
- State media and pro-government influencers remained active thanks to prioritized connectivity and targeted exemptions
- Independent journalists and protest accounts faced blocking, account removals, and arrests that limited on-the-ground reporting
- Users turned to VPNs, satellite links and messaging workarounds, but access was uneven and carried legal risks
- International monitors recorded one of the largest national connectivity disruptions in Iran during the peak blackout
- Selective restorations helped official narratives spread while restricting citizen documentation of protests