Iran's Crackdown: Protests Silenced, Internet Blackout Persists

0:00Welcome to Global News Today, two minutes of world news that matter. Iran has ramped up security in Tehran to stop potential anti-government protests amid the ongoing war. Checkpoints now, dot streets, tunnels, and foot bridges following Israeli strikes that killed about 10 security personnel at four locations on March 11. Authorities have also imposed a nationwide internet blackout and sent mass text warnings from the Revolutionary Guard, threatening harsh action, against any unrest. Meanwhile, restrictions are hitting hard on communication. Protesters struggle to coordinate without encrypted apps, as domestic services remain the only option for most. Tech-savvy residents are turning to smuggled-starling devices for un-sensored access, but police arrested a 37-year-old man in southern Fars, province on March 12 for selling unfiltered internet across provinces. Authorities are adapting in tense ways. One young man described praising security forces at a checkpoint to avoid a search, while

1:02a woman in her 20s ditched colorful clothes to evade patrols. Another seller a secure connections feared arrest during a taxi ride through a tunnel checkpoint, laptop in hand. The crackdown seems effective so far, with no large-scale protests like those in January. Instead, pro-government rallies fill the streets at night, complete with chance and flags. Foreign rights groups report thousands of civilian deaths from earlier unrest, adding to the fear. Officials promise to restore internet for those promoting Iran's voice abroad, like the foreign minister who joins Zoom calls freely. Journalists get special white SIM cards, but average folks pay steep prices around $6 for one gigabyte on underground markets, where monthly, salaries hover between $200 and $300. The Daily News Now is presented by our sponsor, linked in the description. It looks like a pillow. It sounds like headphones, built for comfort and sound, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.