Iran restores internet access after 88-day blackout, bringing relief to citizens and businesses, but concerns over censorship and restrictions remain, amid US sanctions and Israel tensions.
Iranians have expressed joy and relief as social media and internet services have been restored in the country, following an 88-day shutdown imposed by the authorities. The shutdown was initially implemented in response to nationwide anti-government protests, and was later extended due to the conflict with the United States and Israel. The restoration of internet access has brought a sense of normalcy back to the lives of Iranians, who have been isolated from the rest of the world for nearly three months.
The decision to reopen international internet access was announced by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, The move has been welcomed by citizens, who have taken to social media to express their happiness and relief. Kian Galvani, an engineering student, wrote on his account, "I've never been so happy in my life to see Telegram notifications." Alireza Jafarzadeh, an Iranian editor, posted on Instagram, "The longest internet blackout in the history of the world has ended, greetings after 88 days."
The prolonged shutdown has had a significant impact on businesses in Iran, particularly those that rely heavily on social media to operate. Many businesses have been forced to shut down or significantly reduce their operations, resulting in significant financial losses. Keyumars, an Iranian computer programmer, many people who ran businesses through Instagram and Telegram "lost everything during this blackout" and "have to start again from far below zero, while carrying heavy debts, losses, and lost customers."
The restoration of internet access is expected to take some time, with experts warning that it could take hours, days, or even weeks for connectivity to be fully restored in all provinces. Alp Toker, director of internet monitoring group NetBlocks, the process of restoration is complex and may be affected by various factors, including the level of censorship and restrictions imposed by the authorities. Despite the restoration of internet access, many Iranians remain wary of ongoing restrictions and censorship, with some expressing concerns that the government may impose further limits on online freedoms.
The Iranian government has faced criticism for its handling of the internet shutdown, with many arguing that it has had a disproportionate impact on civilians and businesses. Iranian Communications and Information Technology Minister Seyyid Sattar Hashemi has the government is committed to restoring communication stability and promoting a dynamic economy. However, many Iranians remain skeptical, with some arguing that the government's actions are driven by a desire to control and restrict online freedoms, rather than promote economic growth and development. As one Iranian citizen, Alireza Naji, posted on his X account, "We are a long way from achieving the world-class version of the internet that the Iranian people deserve... civic and social activities in the heart of this darkness are the pulse of our survival."
