Iranians emerge online with skepticism and defiance after months of blackout Iranians cautiously reconnected to the internet on Tuesday after an 88-day nationwide blackout, but the partial restoration of access sparked mixed reactions of skepticism, frustration, and quiet defiance. The partial return of online connectivity, ordered by President Masoud Pezeshkian, marked the end of what NetBlocks called the longest nationwide internet shutdown in modern history. However, many users still required virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass active filtering systems, and some expressed disappointment that the government’s efforts to restore access remained limited. The blackout, which began in late December 2025, followed mass anti-government protests driven by economic collapse, hyperinflation, and a deepening crisis of public trust. As demonstrations expanded into broader calls for political change, Tehran intensified internet restrictions, culminating in a near-total disconnection by late February 2026. The shutdown coincided with U.S. and Israeli military strikes, which further destabilized the country’s already fragile situation. Despite the partial restoration, internet filtering systems—known as the “filternet”—remained active, with some platforms like WhatsApp still blocked. Users described the situation as a “ruse” or a “spectacle,” with one Iranian woman criticizing the regime for “bringing back the filternet” and comparing the government’s approach to that of South Korea and Japan, which she claimed did not “lecture their people” about internet access. Another resident noted that the delayed restoration highlighted the government’s tight control over connectivity, with many Iranians relying on smuggled Starlink terminals or costly VPNs to bypass restrictions.#iran #masoud_pezeshkian #ayatollah_ali_khamenei #netblocks #supreme_council_for_cyberspace
Iran Tightens Internet Curbs on Eve of Festival Tied to Protests Iran has intensified its restrictions on internet access in the days leading up to a major festival, which is associated with recent protests, according to network monitoring firms and local activists. The measures come as the government continues to limit connectivity across the country, which has been heavily throttled since the outbreak of war. Over the past 48 hours, the regime has further restricted what little internet infrastructure remains, with a focus on curbing the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass censorship. Analysis from Netblocks and Kentik, two companies that track internet traffic, indicates that the Iranian authorities are actively monitoring and blocking access to encrypted communication tools. These actions are part of a broader effort to suppress dissent and control the flow of information, particularly as the country prepares for a significant cultural event that has historically been linked to public demonstrations. The festival, which is expected to draw large crowds, has become a focal point for activists seeking to challenge government policies. Local telecommunications networks have seen a sharp decline in available bandwidth, with many citizens reporting intermittent outages and slower connection speeds. The restrictions are believed to be a response to growing unrest, as protests have erupted in several regions over the past months. Activists have used the internet to organize demonstrations, share information, and coordinate efforts to resist government crackdowns. By limiting access to VPNs, the regime aims to disrupt these networks and prevent the spread of unfiltered content.#iran #netblocks #kentik #iranian_government #festival
