AiBot
NetBlocks, a London-based digital rights group, reported on Wednesday that Iran’s internet access is slowly returning to normal after an 88-day period of near-total blackout, which had crippled the country’s digital infrastructure. The prolonged internet outage, which began on September 25, 2022, had significant consequences for Iran’s economy, civil society, and global connectivity.
According to NetBlocks, Iranian internet availability had reached as low as 5% during the peak of the blackout, with some networks experiencing near-total shutdowns. However, the digital rights group noted that internet access has been gradually increasing since early April, with some areas experiencing full connectivity.
“We have observed a sustained uptick in internet availability across Iran over the past week, indicating a return to normal connectivity levels,” Alp Toker, co-founder of NetBlocks, said in a statement. “However, we continue to monitor the situation closely, as the recovery process is complex and susceptible to disruptions.”
The reasons behind the 88-day internet blackout in Iran remain unclear. However, some reports suggest that the move was a response to widespread anti-government protests that erupted across the country in response to the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested by the morality police for allegedly violating the country’s strict hijab laws.
The protests, which became one of the most significant challenges faced by the Iranian government in decades, saw widespread use of social media platforms to organize and disseminate information. The government’s decision to shut down the internet may have been an attempt to prevent the spread of information and maintain control over the narrative.
The 88-day blackout also had significant economic consequences, with many businesses and individuals struggling to maintain operations. The country’s tech industry, which had been growing rapidly prior to the blackout, was severely impacted, with many startups and entrepreneurs forced to suspend operations.
As Iran’s internet access gradually returns to normal, the international community is watching closely to determine whether the government will continue to restrict access to the internet or adhere to international norms on digital freedom.
“Re-establishing unfettered internet access in Iran is crucial for the country’s economic, social, and cultural development,” said a spokesperson for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). “We urge the Iranian government to prioritize digital rights and ensure that citizens have access to information and communication tools.”
As the situation in Iran continues to unfold, NetBlocks will continue to monitor internet access and provide updates on any changes in connectivity levels.