Iran goes dark as regime unleashes force, cyber tools to crush protests

When protests have erupted across Iran, the government’s first response has often been not dialogue but darkness.

In recent days, Iranian authorities have imposed sweeping internet and communications blackouts, expanded the use of surveillance drones, and deployed security forces to suppress demonstrators, according to analysts and human rights groups who say Tehran, Iran, is refining a playbook designed to smother dissent before it can spread. 

A nationwide internet blackout has now persisted for five days...