Iran's Internet Blackout Cripples Economy and Livelihoods in Tehran
A prolonged and unprecedented internet shutdown in Iran has created severe disruptions across multiple sectors of the economy, from international travel to export operations, according to residents and business owners in Tehran who are struggling to maintain their livelihoods.
Daily Life and Work Paralyzed by Digital Disconnection
For more than two weeks, millions of Iranians have been cut off from the global internet, forced to rely on the country's limited domestic intranet system. Online content creator Amir, 32, spends his days scanning the few news websites available on Iran's restricted web, searching for any indication that connectivity to the outside world might be restored.
"My work entirely depends on the internet... I really cannot see myself surviving without it," said Amir, who creates reviews of video games and movies for social media platforms including Instagram and YouTube. Since January 8, when authorities imposed the communications blackout, he has been unable to produce any content, leaving him demotivated and increasingly concerned about his income and future prospects.
Economic Sectors Suffering Significant Losses
The economic impact of the shutdown extends far beyond individual content creators. According to Iranians in Tehran who spoke with international media, key sectors including travel, exports, and digital entrepreneurship have been severely affected. Social media platforms like Instagram have served as crucial marketplaces for Iranian entrepreneurs, while businesses relying on international communication face mounting challenges.
On Sunday, local media quoted Iran's deputy telecommunications minister Ehsan Chitsaz as estimating the shutdown costs between four and six trillion rials per day, equivalent to approximately $3 to $4 million. However, internet monitoring group NetBlocks has provided a much higher estimate, suggesting each day of blackout costs Iran more than $37 million in economic losses.
Domestic Alternatives Fail to Replace Global Connectivity
While Iran's intranet supports a range of domestic applications including buses, subway systems, online payment platforms, banking services, ride-hailing apps, navigation tools, and food delivery services, these alternatives fail to provide the global connectivity essential for many businesses and individuals.
Last weekend, local media reported that domestic messaging apps including Bale, Eitaa and Rubika would become functional again. However, many Iranians remain skeptical about using these alternatives. "I have never used these apps and I will not start now," said Amir, citing significant privacy concerns about government-controlled platforms.
Context of the Communications Blackout
The internet restrictions were imposed amid mass anti-government protests that began on December 28 as nationwide rallies against the rising cost of living. What started as peaceful demonstrations in Tehran eventually escalated into what officials describe as "foreign-instigated riots" that included killings and vandalism.
While the protests have since subsided, the internet restrictions remain firmly in place. Iran's foreign minister has justified the shutdown as necessary to confront foreign "terrorist operations," but human rights groups argue the measure was implemented to mask a government crackdown on protesters.
The official death toll from the unrest stands at 3,117, though international non-governmental organizations have provided higher estimates. As the digital blackout continues with no clear end in sight, millions of Iranians face an uncertain economic future, isolated from the global digital economy that has become essential for modern livelihoods.
