tech
January 28, 2026
Iran appears to ease internet blackout as cost of shutdown mounts
Experts say uneven connectivity suggests regime is throttling and filtering data as losses said to hit $36m a day
TL;DR
- Internet restrictions in Iran appear to be selectively eased, not fully removed.
- Experts describe the current connectivity as a 'patchwork' of degraded service, indicating ongoing throttling.
- Services like Google, Bing, and ChatGPT are available to some users on a provincial basis, but many social media platforms remain unusable.
- The internet shutdown began on January 8th, coinciding with escalating anti-government protests.
- The blackout has helped obscure violence against the population and incurred significant economic losses for Iran.
- Government estimates suggest the shutdown costs Iran up to $36 million per day.
- Iranian CEOs were observed gathering in monitored environments for limited internet access.
- Authorities are adjusting the shutdown rather than intending to end it, with inconsistent daily access.
- Previous statements indicated restrictions might continue until March 20th, Nowruz.
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