Iran's Internet Blackout Persists As One Report Says Protest Death Toll May Exceed 30,000

"Iran's nationwide Internet blackout remained largely in place as the reported death toll from recent protests continued to rise, with one account saying the number of fatalities may exceed 30,000. The digital rights watchdog NetBlocks said on January 25 that Iran's Internet shutdown has now passed 400 hours, adding that "brief connectivity spikes" may give a false impression of wider restoration. It said circumvention tools such as VPNs have allowed limited online communication."

"Human rights groups say the blackout has hampered protesters' ability to organize and restricted the flow of information, making independent verification of casualties difficult. The US-based rights organization HRANA, whose figures RFE/RL has been regularly citing since the violent crackdown began in Iran earlier this month, says its confirmed death toll is now 5,459, and the number of fatalities still under investigation is 17,031."

Iran's nationwide Internet shutdown has passed 400 hours, with brief connectivity spikes and limited VPN use enabling restricted online contact. The blackout has hampered protesters' ability to organize and curtailed the flow of information, preventing independent verification of casualty figures. HRANA reports 5,459 confirmed deaths and 17,031 fatalities under investigation. Time cites two senior Iranian health officials saying fatalities may exceed 30,000, with most deaths occurring on January 8-9 during a peak crackdown. Iran's official tally of 3,117 contrasts sharply with higher international estimates. The UN and Amnesty International have warned of very large civilian losses and described killings as unprecedented in scale.

Read at RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty