Iran has recently implemented extensive internet blackouts, severely impacting its population of approximately 90 million people. This digital clampdown coincided with widespread anti-government protests, raising concerns about censorship and human rights. While the Hacker News article highlights a '118 hours of silence,' other credible sources reported the national internet blackout lasting over 84 hours around January 12, 2026, with a 'complete shutdown' noted on January 8, 2026, affecting an estimated 85 million people. The Iranian government has historically used internet shutdowns to quell dissent, with the current restrictions described as among the most severe. Amidst these widespread communication disruptions, Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service became a vital, albeit unlicensed, tool for many Iranians to access the global internet. Thousands of Starlink terminals were reportedly smuggled into Iran since 2022, following US authorization for tech companies to bypass sanctions and provide communication tools. Activist groups confirmed that Starlink waived fees for users in Iran, further aiding the flow of information during the blackout. However, the Iranian government has banned Starlink, attempting to jam signals and imposing severe penalties for its use. The headline's phrase 'One nation erased from the internet' is an exaggeration; while access was severely curtailed, it was not completely 'erased' due to circumvention efforts.