The consequences of the internet blackout in Iran, which isolated millions of citizens
has entered The internet blackout in Iran its 30th consecutive day, isolating millions of people from the global information and communications network. This crisis comes amid escalating regional tensions and ongoing conflicts, leaving citizens completely cut off from the outside world. NetBlocks, a group specializing in monitoring internet security and freedom, confirmed in a statement on its X platform that the internet shutdown in Iran has now exceeded 696 hours, marking the fifth week of strict nationwide censorship.
The historical context of internet shutdown policy in Iran
This blocking is not unprecedented in the country's modern history; rather, it is an extension of a systematic policy pursued by the authorities to control the flow of information. Historically, Tehran has resorted to shutting down the global internet during periods of political unrest and popular protests, as it has done in recent years. For years, the Iranian government has invested in developing what is known as the "National Information Network," an internal internet network (intranet) that allows citizens to use local messaging applications, banking platforms, and government services, while access to the global network is severely restricted. This approach reflects the authorities' desire to reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure and control the media narrative during crises.
Costly alternatives and daily suffering for citizens
Under this digital lockdown, many Iranians have no choice but to rely on state-controlled platforms or seek expensive and difficult alternatives to connect with loved ones. Arshia, a 37-year-old marketing manager living in Iran, describes the situation: “Living without the internet is extremely difficult. When even foreign TV channels are down due to signal interference, we have no way to follow the news except through state television.” She adds that contacting family and friends is extremely difficult via traditional phone calls, creating immense psychological stress. Arshia expresses the fears of a large segment of society: “Our biggest fear now is that they might not restore the internet altogether, and that we will become completely isolated like North Korea.”.
A struggle to access the world through virtual networks
Despite the strict restrictions, Iranians are trying to find loopholes in the digital firewall. Some journalists have managed to contact people inside the country via apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, albeit for very short and intermittent periods, using virtual private networks (VPNs). Maryam, a 33-year-old private sector employee, explains that the first few weeks of the blackout were extremely difficult, as she was cut off from her family in other cities. “We now use an Iranian messaging app to make video calls,” she adds. “It’s not ideal, but we’re adapting to these difficult circumstances.”.
Local and regional impacts of the current crisis
The impact of this crisis extends beyond mere social isolation, paralyzing vast economic sectors reliant on e-commerce. Locally, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are incurring heavy losses daily due to their inability to access global markets or communicate with suppliers. Regionally and internationally, the lack of independent information creates a fog of uncertainty surrounding the true situation within the country, as news sources are limited to official media outlets, providing a fragmented picture of events. This continued digital isolation is a source of concern for the international community, which considers internet access essential for ensuring transparency and stability in a region experiencing ongoing geopolitical tensions.
