The large protests from December 2025 into January 2026 prompted one of Iran’s longest internet shutdowns. NetBlocks confirmed a near-complete collapse of connectivity after authorities imposed a total shutdown on January 8. Limited access began to return on January 23, yet many services were still restricted by February 23.
Observers link the shutdown and restrictions to a shift toward a white-listed censorship model. In that model the global internet is blocked by default and only approved sites and services are reachable. Meta’s WhatsApp faced restrictions and most users relied on VPNs. Amir Rashidi of Miaan Group wrote that whitelisting is now enforced at the infrastructure level and causes the limited inbound and outbound traffic.
Foreign Policy reported on January 14 that Russia helped Iran deploy strategically managed connectivity built around deep packet inspection (DPI). A company named Protei, with a head office in Jordan and roots in St.Petersburg, is named as a supporter. Protei’s website and a company PDF describe a DPI platform that can identify services and selectively block, throttle or prioritize them, and support URL and domain blacklisting and whitelisting.
Investigations have raised questions about corporate links. Canada’s Citizen Lab found in 2023 that Protei helped build a mobile surveillance system and leaked emails showed Protei was selected to provide core network components to Ariantel. Kommersant reported a 2024 joint venture with Rostelecom. Protei still lists branches in Estonia and Jordan and clients such as MTN Irancell and Ariantel. It remains unclear if further probes will change how these systems are supplied or used.
Difficult words
- shutdown — temporary stop of services or operationsshutdowns
- whitelist — list of allowed sites or approved serviceswhite-listed, whitelisting
- censorship — official control of information and public access
- connectivity — ability to connect to the internet or network
- infrastructure — basic physical and technical systems that support services
- deep packet inspection — method to examine internet data packets for control
- throttle — to slow or limit data traffic or speed
- surveillance — close monitoring of people or communications
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How would an internet shutdown affect your daily life? Give two examples.
- What problems could a white-listed internet cause for people and businesses?
- Should companies that sell network tools be responsible for how governments use them? Why or why not?
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