Iran closes most of the Internet as tension with Israel increases, WhatsApp and Instagram allegedly blocked
Iran has experienced an near-close internet blackout amidst the war with Israel. The possibility of blackout is in response to the alleged Israeli cyber attack, with VPN, app stores and major messaging apps banned.
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In short
- Iran shuts off the internet amidst war with Israel
- Internet services like VPN and messaging apps like WhatsApp were interrupted
- Access to Google Play and Apple App Store was also blocked
Iran on Tuesday encountered a nationwide “Near-Kul” internet blackout, which limits the ability of Iranians to communicate with the outside world while increasing tension with Israel. Media reports show that blackout was a deliberate decision from the government’s favor in response to the alleged Israeli cyber attack. It was not after the Israeli bombing that destroyed the infrastructure of the state. VPN services were particularly affected, so there is a possibility that the government wanted to prevent and limit the possible spread of misunderstandings, which often occurs in time like these.
According to a report by NBC News, Citing Kentinak and Netblock, companies tracking internet connectivity worldwide, Iran faced internet recession at around 5:30 pm local time. It was not a total blackout, which is to say that everything was not closed. Along with limiting people’s access to VPN services, which would allow them to join foreign websites, the government allegedly urged the Iranians to avoid using a chat app such as WhatsApp, which they can be leaked – or leaked – their personal information in the time of great upheaval.
This is not the first time that the Iranian government has shut down the Internet or has stopped its people from reaching internet services. In 2019, it forced a complete blackout for six days in view of civil disturbance within the country, due to which more than 100 people allegedly died. According to Iran, more than 220 people have died after Israeli attacks, while Israel says, anti -counterfeit attacks have killed 24 at least.
Iran has also blocked the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in its most recent shutdown to download and prevent new apps on its equipment. At the same time, apps such as WhatsApp and Instagram have been completely wasted on existing equipment. The government approved sites which are part of Iran’s National Information Network, though are accessible.
