Reports of significant slowdown in Iranian internet services
We're hearing reports from Iranians across the country - including in Tehran, Gilan, Mazandaran, Isfahan and Khuzestan provinces - of a significant slowdown in internet connectivity.
Internet tracking service Netblocks is now showing a significant reduction in internet traffic in Iran.
Major social media websites, messaging platforms and streaming services are blocked in Iran, but people in the country use VPNs to circumvent the ban.
Some say they are unable to access VPN services, further limiting their ability to use social media to connect with friends and family and gather updates amid minimised reporting by state media on Israeli strikes.
From what we have observed on Telegram groups, people are sending VPN links to each other or asking others to download offline maps in case the internet goes down completely.
Authorities lifted a longstanding ban on WhatsApp in December, but users now report access has been restricted again in some areas.
State TV has warned about using foreign social media apps, including WhatsApp.
Government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani today described the situation as a "hybrid war" and warned citizens against “enemy psychological warfare” and rumours online.
Mohajerani confirmed yesterday that the authorities have slowed down the internet to “combat cyber-attacks”. Access to some state-affiliated news websites has been slower and more restricted today.
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