Internet access has begun to be restored in Iran after a nearly three-month disruption, according to the country’s first vice-president.
Mohammad Reza Aref stated on X on Tuesday, “The first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace has been taken.”
Partial Restoration Confirmed
Internet monitoring groups Netblocks and Kentik reported a “partial” restoration around 13:00 GMT. However, Kentik cautioned that most networks remained offline.
The Iranian government had restricted internet access following reported US and Israeli actions on February 28. Officials indicated the measure was intended to prevent surveillance, espionage, and cyber-attacks. This shutdown marks one of the longest national internet disruptions ever recorded globally.
A content creator in Tehran informed the BBC that he was able to connect to the internet via his home WiFi on Tuesday, expressing, “The main point is, some of my income will come back.”
Ongoing Challenges and Restrictions
Netblocks noted that it was uncertain whether the internet restoration would be sustained, observing that this pattern is consistent with previous blackouts where restoration can take several hours.
Isik Mater, research director for the global internet tracker, stated on Tuesday, “Access is not universally back to its original state, with some regional variation.”
She also highlighted signs of “more extensive filtering” compared to before January, when a similar blackout was implemented during a period of significant domestic events. These new restrictions include “additional limitations to messaging apps like WhatsApp,” which could mean “families may still struggle to contact loved ones for the time being.”
Mater further added, “Historically, each time internet access has been restored after an internet shutdown in Iran it has come back with heavier restrictions and tighter controls.”
Prior to the February shutdown, Iran had experienced only about a month of full internet access following a previous disruption in January.
Some Iranians have reportedly circumvented these restrictions using methods such as expensive virtual private networks (VPNs) and by bringing satellite technology into the country.
“Internet Pro” Scheme and Recent Developments
Following a ceasefire agreement on April 8, the Iranian government introduced an “internet pro” scheme. This premium service offers higher-quality access for a fee to businesses and professionals, subject to identity verification.
Despite some officials describing the scheme as a temporary measure not part of official policy, it reportedly faced public backlash and criticism.
A doctor in Isfahan, who did not opt for the “internet pro” scheme, also confirmed to the BBC that she was able to connect to the internet using her home WiFi on Tuesday.
The internet began to come back online as Iran condemned recent US actions earlier this week, labeling them a “gross violation” of the ceasefire. The US stated that it had targeted Iranian missile sites and boats attempting to place mines in southern Iran on Monday with what it termed “self-defence strikes.”
#IranInternet #InternetRestoration #IranNews #Cyberspace #Netblocks #InternetShutdown #DigitalRights #MiddleEast #TechNews #Connectivity
Leave a Reply