Iran's internet shutdown now longest in history: Monitor

The internet shutdown in Iran is now the longest in its history, according to a monitor.

Internet freedom watchdog NetBlocks said that the blackout, imposed by the state following the beginning of the US-Israel attack on the country, reached its 20th day on Thursday.

"The ongoing disruption in Iran is among the longest three internet shutdowns in our records. It's now the longest sustained nation-scale internet blackout we've tracked in a highly connected society," Alp Toker, director of NetBlocks, speaking to Middle East Eye.

He said only Sudan and Myanmar had experienced longer shutdowns, both in the context of military coups.

The Islamic Republic regularly blocks internet access in Iran during periods of unrest. The government says the move is aimed at countering misinformation, but critics say it provides cover for violent state crackdowns.

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