WhatsApp connecting people amid internet shutdown in Iran

Due to a large number of demonstrations and violence in Iran for the past few days, the government has shut down the Internet. In such a situation, messaging service WhatsApp has started efforts to maintain communication between the people of Iran. WhatsApp said that it will leave no stone unturned within its technical capability to maintain the service.

About this WhatsApp Has told in a tweet that it is not blocking Iran’s phone numbers. Earlier this week, Iran’s government shut down the Internet and blocked access to Instagram and WhatsApp in a bid to control the protests. Protests were triggered by the death of a woman in police custody in Iran for violating a dress code. The lack of internet connectivity will make it difficult for people to organize demonstrations and share information about the tough action being taken by the government.

Iranian police detained 22-year-old Mahsa Amini for allegedly wearing a headscarf in the wrong way. Demonstrations have been taking place across the country for the last few days after Mahsa’s death in police custody. The protesters have also clashed with the police and are demanding the removal of the government. Some Iranians said on condition of anonymity that since Wednesday they are unable to access the Internet through mobile devices. Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi also addressed the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday.

Doug Madory, director of network intelligence firm Kentik, said, “Internet service including mobile data has been blocked in Iran. This may be an action taken by the government due to the current situation in the country. Internet is almost shut down. Bitcoin mining also takes place on a large scale in Iran. The closure of the internet will have a big impact on the minors as well. The protests of the protesters are increasing continuously. The police have used lathicharge as well as other harsh methods to control them. Amnesty International reported that security forces used batons, tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters. There are reports of eight deaths in these demonstrations. Four of these have been killed by the security forces. Apart from this, hundreds of people have been injured.

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