Iran has restored internet access after an unprecedented 88-day nationwide blackout, marking the longest such shutdown in modern history. President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the reconnection, citing economic and social needs according to Reuters. The decision comes as Iranians expressed joy at being able to reconnect with the outside world through social media platforms like Telegram and Instagram.
Key Takeaways
Iran has restored internet access after an 88-day blackout, the longest nationwide shutdown in modern history. President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the reconnection, citing economic and social needs.
- Iran ends record 88-day internet blackout
- President orders reconnection for economic and social reasons
- Internet access remains heavily restricted with increased censorship
- Businesses and citizens express relief but concerns persist about ongoing restrictions
The internet shutdown began on January 8 in response to nationwide anti-government protests and was intensified following U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28. According to BBC, the blackout severely impacted businesses that rely heavily on online platforms for operations, taking a toll on an already fragile economy battered by war and long-standing sanctions.
The restoration of internet access has been gradual and selective, with connectivity remaining unstable and heavily restricted according to The Guardian. Internet monitor NetBlocks reported that Iran had been totally isolated from the global internet for 2,093 hours. Platforms such as WhatsApp remain inaccessible without a VPN.
While there is relief at the partial restoration of connectivity, concerns about increased censorship persist. Iranian Communications and Information Technology Minister Seyyid Sattar Hashemi acknowledged that internet restrictions had caused significant damage to the digital economy according to Reuters. The shutdown has led to job losses and worsened an already dire economic crisis, with estimates suggesting as many as 5 million jobs in Iran are dependent on the internet.
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