Iran Lifts Internet Blackout, Restrictions Remain

The Resumption of Internet Access in Iran

On May 28, 2026, Iran lifted an 88-day nationwide internet blackout, marking a partial return to online access after a major disruption that began following the January 2026 crackdown on nationwide protests. Real-time data from NetBlocks and Cloudflare showed a notable rise in web traffic compared to recent weeks, though levels still lagged behind pre-blackout levels. Cybersecurity expert Amir Rashidi noted that traffic was about 50% of January 2026 levels, indicating that the restoration remains incomplete. This partial reconnection reflects a longer-term trend: Iran has never fully normalized internet access since the 2009 Green Movement, when the government first imposed sweeping restrictions to limit dissent. The 2026 blackout, the longest in the country’s history, was enforced after the February 28, 2026, US-Israeli attacks on Iran, with authorities presenting the measure as a security necessity. Critics, however, argue that these measures have long been used to control information flow, as seen during the 2019-2020 internet shutdown during nationwide protests. The current restoration, therefore, is not a reversal of policy but a continuation of a strategy to manage information flow under the guise of security.

Historical Context of Internet Controls

Iran’s internet restrictions are rooted in its political history. Since the 2009 Green Movement, the government has enforced strict controls to limit dissent, using internet shutdowns as a tool to disrupt communication both within the country and with the outside world. The 2026 blackout, which lasted 88 days, was the longest in the country’s history, enforced in the wake of the February 28 attacks. Authorities framed the measure as a security necessity, but digital rights organizations like Filterbaan and Iran International have long documented how such shutdowns are used to suppress information flow. The 2019-2020 internet shutdown during the nationwide protests further illustrates this pattern, with the government throttling connectivity to stifle organizing efforts. This historical context reveals that the current restoration is not a return to normalcy but a continuation of a strategy to manage information flow under the guise of security.

The ‘Pro-Internet’ Policy and Its Limitations

President Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration launched a ‘pro-internet’ policy, allowing select groups—such as businesses and tech companies—to access a restricted internet service for a fee. This approach, according to Rashidi, continues the trend of creating a tiered system where access is monetized instead of democratized. The policy has been criticized for exacerbating inequality, as only those who can afford the service benefit from partial connectivity. For example, the National Security Council approved a plan to grant certain groups access to the so-called ‘Internet Pro’ in exchange for payment, targeting entities like the Chamber of Commerce, start-ups, and vetted merchants. This creates a digital divide, where economic privilege determines access to information, rather than the right to free expression. The policy’s limitations are further evident in the continued blocking of social media platforms, which remain inaccessible to the general population despite the partial restoration.

Economic and Social Consequences

The blackout had severe economic consequences, particularly for small businesses reliant on digital markets. Solmaz Eikder of Filterbaan reported that women-led online ventures, which often sold handmade goods and dried fruits, were heavily affected. These businesses, many based in rural areas, lost access to critical markets, worsening existing economic disparities. The disruption also hindered communication for families separated by the conflict, with some relying on landline networks that reportedly feature automated monitoring systems. The economic toll is compounded by sanctions, which have further restricted access to global markets and digital infrastructure. A 2024 study by Payande highlights how sanctions have limited Iran’s ability to invest in digital infrastructure, forcing citizens to rely on expensive local VPN services to bypass censorship. This creates a cycle of exclusion, where economic hardship and digital repression reinforce each other.

Persistent Censorship and Global Trends

Despite the partial restoration, Iran’s internet remains heavily restricted. Platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are still blocked, requiring users to pay for local VPN services. This reflects global trends of state-controlled internet access, where governments use technical barriers to regulate information flow. The situation in Iran aligns with similar cases in countries like Syria and Myanmar, where connectivity is used as a tool for political control. For instance, Syria’s internet shutdowns during the conflict and Myanmar’s censorship of pro-democracy activists demonstrate how digital repression is often linked to authoritarian governance. Iran’s approach, however, is distinct in its scale and longevity, reflecting a systemic strategy to control information rather than temporary measures during crises.

Legal Uncertainties and Political Ambiguity

The restoration of internet access was presented as a technical decision by a special cyberspace body tied to President Pezeshkian. However, state media reported that an administrative court temporarily suspended the legal basis for the body’s operations, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the restoration. This legal ambiguity underscores the political nature of the internet policy, where technical changes are often accompanied by legal and administrative challenges. The suspension of the cyberspace body’s authority suggests that the restoration may be reversible, with the government retaining the power to reimpose restrictions under the guise of security. This creates an unstable balance between partial connectivity and continued control, where the government can selectively lift restrictions while maintaining overarching censorship mechanisms.

The Role of International Actors

The international community has raised concerns over Iran’s internet policies. The United Nations and human rights organizations have repeatedly called for greater transparency and access to information. However, the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump has focused on geopolitical interests rather than direct intervention, leaving Iran’s digital landscape largely unchallenged. This reflects a broader trend of prioritizing geopolitical interests over digital freedom in international relations. For example, the U.S. has historically used internet restrictions as a tool for diplomatic leverage, as seen in its policies toward nations like China and Russia. Iran’s situation, therefore, is part of a larger global pattern where digital repression is often tied to geopolitical rivalries rather than human rights concerns.