TEHRAN, September 26, 2023
Internet Access in Iran Severely Restricted Amid Ongoing Unrest
Table of Contents
A widespread internet blackout in Iran is impacting daily life and livelihoods, echoing past government responses to protests.
- Iran has a history of imposing internet restrictions during periods of political and social unrest.
- The current blackout is described as more extensive and prolonged than previous disruptions.
- Content creators and businesses are facing significant challenges due to the lack of reliable internet access.
- The duration of the blackout remains uncertain, but some anticipate it won’t last indefinitely.
Iran is currently experiencing significant disruptions to internet access, a tactic the government has employed during previous periods of unrest. The current restrictions are impacting the ability of citizens to communicate, access information, and conduct business online.
A Pattern of Restrictions
Curbs on internet access are not new in Iran. Similar disruptions occurred during nationwide demonstrations in 2009 following the disputed re-election of then-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Restrictions were also implemented during protests sparked by rising fuel prices in 2019, and again during rallies in 2022-2023 that followed the death in custody of Mahsa Amini. A 12-day war with Israel in June of last year also saw internet access curtailed.
Impact on Livelihoods
Amin, a content creator who reviews tech devices on YouTube and Instagram, stated he anticipated some restrictions but was surprised by the severity and length of the current shutdown. “We used to complain that working under these conditions was difficult, but now it’s affecting every aspect of our livelihoods,” the 29-year-old told AFP.
What will happen if the internet remains shut down? According to a content creator, a prolonged internet shutdown in Iran “will backfire.”
Uncertain Future
The length of the blackout remains unclear. While access to some foreign websites and email services, including Google, has been intermittently available in recent days, it has been highly unreliable. Amin expressed cautious optimism, stating, “The only optimistic thing I can say… is that I don’t see them keeping the internet shut completely for a long time.” He added, “Otherwise, it will backfire.”
