Iran is ending a government-imposed internet blackout that has been in place for nearly three months, according to state media. President Masoud Pezeshkian issued an official order to reopen international internet access, local broadcasters reported on Monday, though independent monitors say the shutdown remains in effect.
Background of the Blackout
The current blackout was introduced in late February following attacks from the US and Israel. It came just weeks after internet restrictions were eased after a similar blackout in January as a result of anti-government protests. Iran's Fars News Agency reported that the lifting of the blackout will take place once the order has been handed to the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology for implementation.
Record Duration
After more than 88 days, it is the longest nationwide internet shutdown in Iran's history, and one of the longest on record globally. Even after it is lifted, internet restrictions will remain in place to prevent citizens from accessing foreign media and internet services that are seen to undermine the Iranian regime.
“Internet connectivity remains cut in Iran with the digital blackout now having entered its 88th day, surpassing 2,088 hours of isolation from the outside world,” global internet monitor NetBlocks said on Monday. “Metrics confirm the shutdown currently remains in effect despite the president’s order yesterday to restore access.”
Impact and Bypass Efforts
NetBlocks said the internet blackout has eliminated transparency surrounding human rights issues, while also widening social and economic divides in the country. The internet ban has blocked local businesses from connecting with international customers, causing further problems to an economy already crippled by US-led sanctions.
Activists have reportedly found ways to bypass the shutdown by smuggling Starlink receivers into the country in order to pick up satellite signals from SpaceX's space internet network. Satellite dishes have been banned in Iran since 1994, with authorities claiming that they “deviate morality and culture”.
Anyone caught using Starlink in Iran faces up to two years in prison, though human rights organisation Witness estimates that around 50,000 people are using the service. Despite the ban, SpaceX reportedly waived subscription payments for illicit Starlink users in the country earlier this year amid widespread protests against the regime.
