Iran is gradually beginning to restore internet access after widespread communication restrictions were imposed following protests over economic hardship late last month. Semi-official reports indicate security officials have initiated a phased restoration, claiming that “security issues” are now under control and key figures of “terror organizations” have been detained.
The government maintains that these internet limitations significantly weakened “opposition networks abroad” and prevented the operations of “terror cells.” The restoration plan is progressive: text messaging (SMS) is the first step, followed by national internet and domestic apps, with international internet access to be reinstated in the final phase. Some local messaging applications are reportedly already back online.
These restrictions were implemented after protests, sparked by economic struggles, turned violent on January 8th. Iranian officials state they are “fully aware of human rights obligations” and have exercised “maximum restraint” while also fulfilling their duty to protect citizens and maintain national security.
However, the situation remains complex. Internet monitor NetBlocks indicates only a slight rise in connectivity, with overall access still a mere 2% of ordinary levels. Furthermore, unofficial reports from human rights monitors paint a grim picture, with claims of over 3,000 deaths, 2,000 injuries, and more than 22,000 detentions since the unrest began. As connectivity slowly returns, the full scope of these events continues to unfold.
