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Iran's Internet Blackout: Life Without Global Connectivity and the Struggle for Access
Iran’s 87-Day Internet Blackout May End Soon: How Iranians Navigate Life Without WhatsApp, Instagram
Image: News 18
For 87 days, millions of Iranians experienced a severe internet blackout, limiting access to global platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered the restoration of international internet access, but significant restrictions remain. Citizens rely heavily on VPNs and state-controlled domestic networks to navigate their digital lives amid ongoing censorship.
- 01Iran's internet blackout began after attacks by the US and Israel on February 28, leading to severe restrictions on global internet access.
- 02The Iranian government has blocked thousands of websites and social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, citing national security.
- 03Most Iranians now use a state-controlled intranet called the National Information Network (NIN) instead of the global internet.
- 04Approximately 80% of Iranians rely on VPNs to access banned platforms, but the government is intensifying efforts to block these services.
- 05A tiered internet system is emerging, where elites have better access while ordinary citizens face heavy restrictions.
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For 87 days, millions of Iranians have endured a significant internet blackout, severely limiting their access to global platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, and YouTube. This shutdown was initiated following attacks by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian now reportedly ordering the Ministry of Communications to restore international internet access. However, the political landscape complicates this move, as it remains uncertain whether the administration can lift the restrictions imposed by the Supreme National Security Council. During the blackout, citizens were forced to rely on the National Information Network (NIN), a state-controlled intranet that limits access to domestic alternatives. Many Iranians have turned to VPNs to bypass these restrictions, with around 80% of users depending on them to access global content. Yet, as the government tightens its grip on internet access, traditional VPNs are becoming less effective, leading to a rise in underground markets for custom VPN services. The situation illustrates the challenges faced by ordinary Iranians in navigating a heavily monitored digital landscape.
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The internet restrictions significantly affect daily life in Iran, limiting access to information and communication tools.
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