Iran’s nationwide internet shutdown has completely cut off public access to online platforms since January 8, while many state-linked and security-affiliated media outlets have continued operating on Telegram.
Telegram channels linked to the Revolutionary Guards including Fars and Tasnim, as well as several state-funded outlets such as Mehr, SNN and the Farhikhtegan newspaper, have continued to update their Telegram channels regularly despite the shutdown, according to observations by Iran International.
The state broadcaster's news channel, IRIB News, has also continued posting updates. However, its news agency YJC updated its Telegram channel only during the first few days of the shutdown, until Saturday, and has remained inactive since then.
Meanwhile reformist newspapers Shargh, Etemad, and Hammihan, along with moderate platforms such as Khabar Online, have remained silent on Telegram during the blackout. Another moderate outlet, Asr-e Iran, however, has kept its channel active despite the shutdown.
While Iranian officials including the office of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have made frequent posts on their Telegram channels, the Iranian government’s official news agency, IRNA, has remained silent since Thursday, when the nationwide digital blackout began in Iran.
In the early hours of the shutdown, many users in the Iranian diaspora expressed outrage after the office of Iran’s Supreme Leader continued to update its X account while much of the country was cut off from the outside world.
Rights groups warn Iran’s nationwide internet blackout is being used to shield lethal crackdowns on protesters, cutting off evidence of state violence as unrest continues across the country.
Cybersecurity expert Amin Sabeti told Iran International that the blackout has severed access to the global internet across much of the country and disrupted domestic online services that remained partially available during previous crackdowns.
“This is the most extreme internet shutdown we’ve ever had,” Sabeti said, adding that its scope signals a significant escalation in Tehran’s use of digital repression amid nationwide unrest.
While some users in Iran have been able to send videos and reports to Iran International through Starlink terminals, director of Washington operations for anti-censorship tool Psiphon says even Starlink uploads have been affected.
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday he will discuss with Starlink chief Elon Musk to provide internet access for Iranian protesters.
