Iran Restores Some Internet, But Censorship and Economic Woes Persist

Iran has partially restored internet connectivity, though usage levels remain below those recorded before the January protests, according to network intelligence platform Kentik. Usage is even lower than during a period of partial restoration earlier this year.

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This data just shows that the overall amount of traffic is less than pre Jan 8th levels and even less than the level we saw during the Jan 27 - Feb 28 period of partial restoration.

While connectivity has seen some improvement, banned platforms such as Instagram, X/Twitter, and YouTube remain inaccessible. International media reports indicate this is a common practice for Iranian authorities, who have maintained such restrictions for years. The Iranian digital rights organization Filterbaan noted that the policy of "limited access for all, special access for some" persists, despite claims of full restoration. They also stated that basic services like Google Play are still cut off.

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It would not surprise me that Iranian authorities would block social media. This has been common practice to some extent for many years in Iran.

Analysts theorize the partial restoration is intended to provide "a limited amount of relief" while maintaining enough network instability to prevent circumvention tools like VPNs from functioning effectively. The economic impact of the internet shutdown is significant, with estimates suggesting nearly two million people have lost work directly or indirectly. Analysts cited by Reuters estimate the blackout cost the Iranian economy as much as $80 million per day.

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the policy of ‘limited access for all, special access for some’ remains firmly in place within the decision-making structure.