TEHRAN (dpa-AFX) – The almost complete internet blockade in Iran has been partially lifted, according to a report. Live data showed that Internet connections had been partially restored after more than two months, the Internet blocking organization Netblocks reported on X. It was therefore “the longest nationwide Internet shutdown in recent history.” However, it is unclear whether the recovery will last.
Data from IT company Cloudflare showed an increase in web traffic on Tuesday compared to previous weeks.
Iranian media confirms partial lifting of the ban
Iranian media meanwhile confirmed the partial lifting of the ban after around three months. The Isna news agency reported, citing the national telecommunications company, that access to the international Internet had been restored for all of the company’s private and business customers via broadband connections.
Some users from Iran reported that they were able to contact friends and families abroad again. Others remained offline, especially users with mobile internet.
Lockdown had significant economic consequences
On Monday, President Massoud Peseschkian ordered the activation of the international Internet, according to Iranian sources. A specific date for unlocking has not yet been given. However, in mid-May, Iranian media reported about a possible activation on June 5th.
The government had almost completely blocked access to the global Internet since the war began on February 28th. Since then, the approximately 90 million Iranians have only been able to use the so-called “national Internet”, in which only government-approved websites can be accessed. The lockdown had not only social but also significant economic consequences.
Iran’s internet is subject to strict censorship even in peacetime. Many websites and apps are blocked. In order to use social media and networks such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, expensive local tunnel services (VPN) are part of everyday life for the majority of users./arb/DP/men