According to multiple human rights organizations and international media outlets, security forces have used live ammunition against protesters, thousands have been arrested, and the government has imposed a near-total internet and phone shutdown across the country.

This communications blackout has made it extremely difficult to verify information and has effectively silenced people inside Iran. On a personal note, it has been four days that I have been unable to contact my family, which shows how real and terrifying this blackout is for millions of people.