Iran partially restores internet with strict government control

After nearly three weeks of one of the most severe internet shutdowns in its history, Iran has begun to restore internet access for some of its 92 million citizens, but connectivity remains heavily restricted. The shutdown, which began on 8 January, is widely viewed as an attempt to limit information about a government crackdown on protests. Official statements framed the shutdown as a response to ‘terrorist operations.’ Independent monitoring groups report that while some platforms are intermittently accessible, much of the country remains isolated from the global internet. Certain business users and government-approved individuals are given highly limited access, often for just 20 to 30 minutes per day under strict supervision and identity verification. Foreign messaging apps like WhatsApp remain restricted, though some local communication tools are available, raising privacy concerns. Observers suggest that authorities may be using the unrest as an opportunity to implement tighter internet controls that could last indefinitely. The shutdown has had a significant economic impact, with losses estimated at $35 million per day. Human rights organizations warn that restricted internet access has hindered reporting on the crackdown, which has reportedly led to thousands of deaths among protesters. Analysts indicate that full internet restoration may never occur, as authorities continue to selectively manage connectivity and test new systems to control online information.