‘Like a prisoner being released’ – Relief for Iranians as internet shutdown ends

Relief for Iranians as Internet Shutdown Ends

Like a prisoner being released – The Iranian internet blackout, which had lasted 88 days, was described by one resident as a moment of profound liberation, akin to a prisoner stepping out of confinement after months in isolation. “It felt like the first time seeing the sky after being locked away for three months,” he shared with the BBC’s Middle East Daily programme. The end of the shutdown marked a significant shift, restoring a lifeline for many who had relied on digital connectivity for daily communication and access to information.

“You wouldn’t believe it, but when I clicked on a website and watched it load, I felt like I could fly with joy,” the man said. “And when I realized I could once again send messages through Telegram, WhatsApp, and other platforms, the feeling was indescribable.” He added that even now, as he spoke, he was “on the verge of tears from happiness.” The first notification on his phone had prompted him to update a list of apps, a task that left him overwhelmed with emotion.

While the return of internet access brought immediate relief, concerns lingered about the government’s plans for increased control. In a country already subjected to heavy surveillance and monitoring, the shutdown had been a tool for restriction, and its end now appeared to signal a new phase of regulation. The Iranian government had cut off connectivity following the US and Israel’s military strikes on 28 February, aiming to disrupt external communication and bolster national security.

Government’s Vision for a “Free and Regulated” Internet

First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref, speaking on X, framed the partial restoration as a “first step” toward a more balanced online environment. “Free and regulated” internet access, he argued, would meet the needs of citizens while supporting scientific and knowledge-based progress. This vision, however, came with a clear emphasis on oversight, suggesting that the government intended to maintain control even as restrictions eased.

Aref also tied the internet’s reopening to the recovery of smart services, highlighting the importance of restoring connectivity for everyday convenience. “Our people have stood by the system and Iran,” he noted, “and now they deserve the tools to engage with the world again.” Yet, critics questioned whether this “freedom” would come at the cost of greater censorship, as the government sought to shape the digital landscape in its favor.

Impact on Businesses and Daily Life

For entrepreneurs and digital workers, the resumption of internet services was a critical development. Pantea, a computer science student, told Associated Press that the restoration would “benefit us immensely” as businesses could resume their normal operations. “I had an online shop and sold products,” she said, “so the internet is essential for our survival.” Despite this, she pointed out that the “only problem is the censorship.” If the government could provide a more effective solution, she believed, “many problems would be solved.”

Rastin, another computer science student, echoed this sentiment. “The end of the outage is 100% a positive thing,” he stated. “The online market is eager to return to its former state.” However, he also acknowledged the challenges posed by ongoing restrictions. “Every time these measures are implemented, it makes life harder for online businesses,” he explained. “It’s a constant battle to stay afloat in a digital economy that’s now being throttled.” The shutdown had not only cut off access but also stifled innovation and economic activity, creating a ripple effect across industries.

Precedent and Persistent Censorship

This was not the first time Iran had imposed a nationwide internet blackout. During the January crackdown on anti-government protests, connectivity was also suspended, disrupting communication and fueling frustration among citizens. Many had resorted to methods like expensive virtual private networks (VPNs) or smuggling satellite internet systems to bypass the restrictions. However, the recent restoration showed signs of a more systematic approach to filtering.

Internet monitoring group Netblocks observed that the current situation involved “more extensive filtering” than the January incident. “Service remains heavily filtered,” the group noted, “with new restrictions on messaging and app stores compared to before.” These measures, they argued, indicated a shift toward prolonged control, even as the government framed the change as a step toward stability and development. The call for a fully open internet, they emphasized, “transcends political divisions and should be heard.”

Global Perspectives and Emotional Reconnection

The relief of reconnection was not limited to Iran. For those living abroad, the restoration of internet access allowed them to reconnect with family members, a cherished act now restored after months of separation. Iranian-born British comedian and author Shaparak Khorsandi, speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, described the moment as “painful and very joyful.” She had been unable to reach her aunt in Iran, and the news of others reestablishing contact brought a mix of emotions.

“It feels so familiar for Iranians to be disconnected and worried, frantic, and feeling helpless,” Khorsandi said. “So, it’s a tricky time, but we keep trying.” She highlighted the isolating experience of being abroad, where the digital lifeline was suddenly reactivated. “What it feels like when you are out of the country is… a strangely isolating experience,” she added, “because your life is suspended, you can’t really move forward but you get on.”

The partial return of internet access has sparked both celebration and cautious optimism. While the government’s actions have been met with relief, many remain wary of the measures that will follow. The balance between connectivity and control is now more apparent than ever, with the shutdown’s end serving as a testament to the internet’s role in both uniting and dividing. For Iranians, the restoration of access is a hard-won victory, but the path to a fully open digital future remains uncertain.

As the nation grapples with the implications of this shift, the focus is on how to preserve the gains made while addressing the concerns about oversight. The internet, once a tool of resistance, has now become a battleground for regulation, with the government seeking to redefine its role in society. For now, the reconnection brings a sense of normalcy, but the long-term effects will depend on the policies that shape this new era of online access.