Iran’s government has begun restoring internet access to its citizens after implementing a near-total shutdown that lasted 88 days, the longest internet blackout by any country in recorded history. The sweeping disconnection was imposed in February following widespread unrest, referred to locally as the “Mahsa” protests, and was maintained even after a ceasefire was announced. The prolonged blackout, spanning 2,093 hours, effectively isolated Iranians from the global internet and cut them off from essential online services including email platforms like Gmail.

As connectivity has gradually returned over recent days, Iranians have expressed relief at regaining access to basic digital services. Social media users have shared messages celebrating their ability to reconnect to WiFi and online platforms, with many emphasising the importance of restoring their livelihoods and business operations. The restoration of internet access represents a significant shift in the Iranian government’s approach, though full connectivity has not yet been universally restored across the country.

The extended blackout had severe economic consequences for Iran’s already struggling digital economy. E-commerce businesses, which depend heavily on online transactions, suffered particularly acute losses, with estimates suggesting the country lost up to $40 million per day during the shutdown. The financial toll of the internet disconnection compounded existing economic pressures facing Iranian businesses and individuals who relied on digital commerce for their survival and income.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.