For more than three weeks, public life in Iran has remained virtually paralyzed in the grip of an unprecedented internet shutdown in the country’s history. Consequently, approximately 90 million people have been directly affected, pushing the nation’s economy to the brink of a deep crisis. On the night of January 8, authorities abruptly severed all communication channels to suppress widespread protests—a move that the United Nations and international human rights organizations have characterized as part of a lethal use of force.
Current Situation and Limitations
Although phone calls, SMS services, and internet bandwidth have been partially restored recently, ordinary citizens are still unable to access the global internet freely due to strict government surveillance and filtering. As a result, to bypass these official restrictions, many are forced to rely on expensive solutions like VPNs and proxies.
Severe Economic Impact
This prolonged shutdown has triggered a collapse in Iran’s economy. Sattar Hashemi, the Minister of Information and Communications Technology, stated that the shutdown is causing a daily loss of approximately 50 trillion rials (about $33 million). However, according to relevant officials, the actual magnitude of the damage is likely significantly higher than the official government estimates.
Political Stance and Government Indifference
President Masoud Pezeshkian’s government has shifted the blame for this decision onto the Supreme National Security Council. Despite promising to ensure internet freedom during his election campaign, the President has maintained a silent role regarding the current situation; instead, he is focusing primarily on economic reforms and subsidies.
Disaster in the Business Sector
With the lack of internet connectivity, online-based businesses and those reliant on international communication have suffered the most. Simin Siyami, a travel agent in Tehran, reported that with international ticket bookings and hotel reservations halted, their revenue has dropped to near zero, leaving them no choice but to lay off staff. Similarly, immigration consultant Saeed Mirzaei noted that due to severed ties with the outside world, many students and aspiring immigrants have missed their application deadlines. As they put it, “Without the internet, our very existence is in crisis.”
Failure of National Internet and Commercial Losses
While the government attempted to use its domestic ‘National Information Network’ or intranet as an alternative, this effort has failed miserably. Minister Hashemi himself termed this attempt a “bitter joke.” Meanwhile, Abazar Barari, a member of the Iran Chamber of Commerce, pointed out that since every step of import-export trade relies on the internet, foreign trade has ground to a halt, and Iran is losing its credibility in the international market.
Public Anger and Despair
In these times of high inflation, freelancers, small entrepreneurs, teachers, and young professionals are living in deep uncertainty. Young video editors like Mehrnaz have been forced to take unpaid mandatory leave. Even postal service operations have seen a drastic decline. Moreover, beyond the financial losses, the government’s ability to shut down communication at will and its interference in citizens’ personal choices have sparked intense public anger. Many feel that their fundamental rights and freedoms are being flagrantly violated.