‘This isn’t freedom’: anger, anxiety and tears as Iran’s internet flickers back
After 88 days of internet blackout in Iran, connectivity has partially returned, eliciting mixed reactions among citizens. While some express cautious optimism, many others feel anger and skepticism regarding the government's intentions. The restoration has not fully addressed the challenges faced by users, who continue to experience limited access and heightened surveillance concerns.
- ▪The internet blackout lasted for 88 days, initiated as a crackdown on anti-government protests.
- ▪Many Iranians expressed skepticism and anger at the government's partial restoration of internet access.
- ▪Users still face significant limitations, with mobile internet connectivity remaining poor and concerns about increased surveillance.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
A man in Tehran on his mobile phone. Some welcomed the return of connectivity with cautious optimism, but others viewed it with suspicion. Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenA man in Tehran on his mobile phone. Some welcomed the return of connectivity with cautious optimism, but others viewed it with suspicion. Photograph: NurPhoto/Getty ImagesIran‘This isn’t freedom’: anger, anxiety and tears as Iran’s internet flickers backAfter 88 days of near-total blackout, first reactions to the return of partial connectivity were not celebratoryDeepa ParentThu 28 May 2026 00.00 EDTLast modified on Thu 28 May 2026 00.33 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleAfter 88 days of near-total internet blackout in Iran, long-delayed messages, images and poems flooded phones and social…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at the Guardian.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from the Guardian
