Internet shutdown record now belongs to Iran. A monitoring group confirmed this milestone. The nationwide disruption has exceeded 864 hours. That equals 36 full days without access. Consequently, Iran holds the longest nationwide blackout ever. This disruption began in late February 2026. Authorities have not restored public access since. As a result, the blackout affects all major networks. Mobile and fixed-line services remain down. Many citizens now rely on expensive satellite connections. Others have no access at all.
The monitoring group tracks digital freedoms worldwide. Specifically, it compares network outages across many countries. Iran previously experienced several multi-day shutdowns. For instance, a 2019 blackout lasted 120 hours. Likewise, a 2022 disruption continued for 140 hours. However, none came close to the current internet shutdown record. Nevertheless, some nations faced longer but discontinuous outages. The watchdog clarified this important distinction. For example, certain conflict zones lost connectivity for months. Still, those interruptions were not nationwide.
They were not continuous either. In contrast, Iran’s blackout remains total and unbroken. North Korea offers another comparison. That country never joined the global internet. Hence, it never experienced a shutdown at all. Experts view Iran’s case as unique. A fully connected nation severed all links voluntarily. Then it kept them down for over a month. Therefore, this internet shutdown record stands without any precedent.
Telecommunication officials offered limited explanations. They cite security concerns as the main reason. Additionally, they mention technical upgrades as a factor. However, no restoration timeline has emerged. The government’s press office did not respond. Meanwhile, businesses report severe losses daily. Many e-commerce platforms have halted operations entirely. Consequently, the economy suffers greatly.
Rights groups have condemned this move. They argue a nationwide blackout violates basic rights. The United Nations called for immediate restoration. Still, Iranian authorities maintain their position firmly. Economists warn of lasting damage. Startups have lost steady income. Similarly, remote workers cannot do their jobs. Digital payment systems remain frozen nationwide. Some companies moved operations abroad. Others face bankruptcy without any solution. For this reason, the outlook appears grim.
Neighboring countries watch closely. Some have updated their emergency protocols. A few invested in backup infrastructure. They fear similar disruptions in the future. Therefore, Iran’s actions influence regional policies. No official end date exists. Satellite providers report surging demand. Nevertheless, those services remain costly. Civil society groups plan awareness campaigns. They hope international pressure forces change. This internet shutdown record may stand for years. Until restoration happens, the country remains offline.