Relief at Reconnection

Like a prisoner being released – The internet shutdown in Iran, which lasted 88 days, has finally come to an end, bringing a wave of relief to citizens who had grown accustomed to living in a digital limbo. For many, the restoration of connectivity felt like the moment a long-held prisoner is granted freedom after months of confinement. The emotional impact was profound, with one Iranian describing the experience as akin to “seeing the sky for the first time.” This sentiment echoed across social media and personal conversations, as people rediscovered the joy of browsing, messaging, and reconnecting with loved ones.

“You wouldn’t believe it, but when I clicked on a website and watched it open, I felt as though I could fly with joy,” said an Iranian during an interview with the BBC’s Middle East Daily programme. “And when I realised I could once again send messages through Telegram, WhatsApp, and other platforms, the feeling was indescribable. Even now, as I speak, I’m on the verge of tears from happiness.”

The government’s decision to lift the blackout followed a directive from President Masoud Pezeshkian, who framed the move as a step toward a “free and regulated” internet. However, the transition has not been without its challenges. While some platforms have returned, others remain restricted, and the public is grappling with the reality of increased surveillance. The government initially cited the need to prevent espionage and cyber-attacks as justification for the shutdown, which coincided with the US and Israel’s military actions against Iran on 28 February.

Government’s Justification

First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref, speaking on X, highlighted the government’s efforts to “restore smart services” and address the needs of citizens who had “stood by the system and Iran” during the crisis. He portrayed the internet’s reopening as essential for scientific and knowledge-based development, a narrative that contrasts with the experiences of ordinary users. Despite these claims, many Iranians remain skeptical, fearing that the censorship has merely evolved rather than diminished.

For those who rely on digital tools for their livelihood, the return of internet access is a welcome relief. A computer science student named Pantea, who ran an online shop during the shutdown, expressed her gratitude to the BBC’s Associated Press. “I’m very happy the internet is going to be restored because businesses can get back to normal,” she said. “Definitely it will benefit us. But the only problem is the censorship.” Her words reflect a broader concern among entrepreneurs and content creators, who have long faced restrictions on platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp.

Business Impact and Concerns

Another student, Rastin, echoed Pantea’s sentiment, calling the end of the outage “100% a positive thing.” However, he also pointed out the lingering issues. “The online market is thirsty to go back to its previous state,” he remarked. “But this social prosecution that keeps happening significantly harms online businesses. The businesses highly depend on the internet, and every time these restrictions make life more difficult for them.” His statement underscores the delicate balance between government control and the needs of a digitally connected society.

The shutdown disrupted not only personal communication but also the flow of information. During the 88-day period, Iranians were cut off from the outside world, unable to share updates or reassure family members of their safety. “It was painful not being able to contact our families and friends outside Iran,” one individual recalled. “We knew, especially during the war, how worried they were, but we couldn’t even assure them that we were safe.” This emotional strain has been a constant for many, even as the internet remained a lifeline.

Historical Context

This is not the first time Iran has experienced an internet blackout. In January, the country faced a severe disruption during a crackdown on anti-government protests, which saw widespread restrictions on social media and messaging apps. Citizens resorted to creative methods to bypass the blocks, such as using expensive virtual private networks (VPNs) and smuggling satellite internet systems into the country. While the current restoration of connectivity has eased some of these challenges, new restrictions have emerged, according to internet monitoring group Netblocks.

Netblocks observed that “more extensive filtering” has occurred compared to the previous crackdown. “Service remains heavily filtered, with new restrictions on messaging and app stores compared to pre-January,” the group noted. This suggests that while the government has lifted some barriers, it has also introduced more nuanced controls to maintain its grip on information. The shift reflects a strategic move to balance accessibility with oversight, a theme that has dominated Iran’s digital landscape for years.

International Response

For Iranians abroad, the return of internet access has been a bittersweet moment. Shaparak Khorsandi, an Iranian-born British comedian and author, shared her perspective on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “It feels such a familiar thing for Iranians to just be disconnected and worried and frantic and feeling helpless,” she said. “So, it’s a tricky time, but we keep trying.” Her experience highlights the isolation felt by diaspora communities, who have watched their homeland endure digital restrictions while trying to maintain connections.

The emotional resonance of the internet’s return extends beyond Iran’s borders. Families separated by the shutdown have reconnected, and businesses have regained momentum. Yet, the lingering sense of uncertainty persists. While the government has taken steps to restore connectivity, the question remains: how much has it truly opened the door to free expression? The partial restoration has been met with cautious optimism, as citizens navigate a landscape where access is still curtailed and information is filtered.

Looking Ahead

As Iranians celebrate the end of the blackout, they also look to the future with cautious hope. The internet, once a symbol of resistance and connection, has now become a battleground for control. While the restoration of services is a victory, the challenge lies in ensuring that this reconnection is not just temporary. For the government, the focus is on “free and regulated” access, but for citizens, the goal is often simpler: to have their voices heard without fear.