[56938] Iran's Internet Crisis: Economic Consequences, "Pro Internet," and Government Criticism

The Ongoing Crisis in Internet Access in Iran: Economic and Social Consequences

The shutdown of international internet in Iran, which has been ongoing for over two months, was defined by Vahid Online as the "longest disruption documented to date." The situation has created a reality of a "class-based internet," where select groups receive access via "white SIMs" at high prices, while the general public is forced to rely on an expensive black market for VPNs. According to data from the "Human Rights Activists in Iran" organization, the economic damage is estimated at $1.8 billion.

Simultaneously, Iran International reports a widespread collapse of small and medium-sized businesses, ranging from beauty salons to heavy industry factories at ports. According to the report, business owners are being forced to close their doors due to sharp price increases in raw materials and the inability to communicate with customers or operate payment methods, with many industrial workers forced to switch to odd jobs such as driving shared taxis.

Within the government, there is a clear lack of consensus regarding the effectiveness of the blockades. While the Minister of Communications stated that the ministry is working to "restore the internet as soon as possible" and that the restrictions stem from "wartime conditions" (according to خبرفوری جنگ🚨اخبارفوری امریکا فوری), other key figures are expressing criticism. The Vice President for Science stated that "even in wartime conditions, closing the internet is not the right solution," and added that the blockades harm the academic and research sectors (according to a report by Vahid Online).

The crisis has given rise to side effects such as the flourishing of a black market for Iraqi SIM cards in border areas, as reported by فناوری فوری📡, and an increase in public criticism toward the government. The newspaper "Etemad" emphasized in its coverage that "access to the internet should not become a financial or special benefit," and called for the restoration of equal access for all citizens as cited in خبرفوری.