tech
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.