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How it works
Supported

Published fact-check

Iran's 2026 Internet Blackout Surpasses 50 Days

Claim checked

“If the regime is so popular in Iran, why have they blocked the internet for over 50 days?”

Published

Verdict

Supported

As of late April 2026, Iran is experiencing its longest nationwide internet blackout on record. Multiple monitors and news outlets confirm that the shutdown, which began on February 28, 2026, has exceeded 50 consecutive days. The blackout followed a period of intense domestic protests and military strikes involving the United States and Israel.

13 reviewed sources behind this verdict.

Reasoning

The claim that the Iranian regime has blocked the internet for over 50 days is supported by real-time network monitoring data and investigative reporting.

  • Duration: Reports from NetBlocks and Iran International on April 17, 2026, noted the shutdown had reached 49 days. By April 21, Wikipedia and other sources documented the shutdown entering its 53rd day.
  • Severity: Connectivity has been measured at between 1% and 4% of normal levels, effectively cutting off the population from the global internet while forcing users onto the government-monitored National Information Network (NIN).
  • Context: The shutdown was triggered by the outbreak of war on February 28, 2026, and followed a previous 21-day blackout in January 2026 used to suppress anti-government protests.

Source quality: The report relies on consistent data from NetBlocks, Cloudflare Radar, and reputable news organizations like The Guardian and DW, all of which provide specific dates and connectivity percentages.

Key checks

  • Duration of the Internet Shutdown: The current blackout began on February 28, 2026. By April 21, 2026, it had lasted 53 days, making it the longest nationwide disruption in Iran's history.

  • Extent of Connectivity Loss: Network monitors reported that internet traffic dropped by 98% on the first day of the blackout. Connectivity has remained at a 'tiny fraction' of normal levels, often cited as low as 1-2%.

  • Government Justification and Impact: While the regime cites national security and the 'National Information Network' as sufficient, human rights groups and economists report the shutdown has cost the economy over $1.8 billion and is used to mask human rights violations.

Confidence

High