News Report: The Right to Access the Internet in Iran Amid the 2026 War

Introduction

Only a few hours after the outbreak of war and the attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran’s military and civilian infrastructure in February and March 2026, international internet access was completely blocked by decision of the responsible institutions in Iran, foremost among them the Supreme National Security Council. As a result, only domestic websites, social networks, and software platforms remained publicly accessible. Although these platforms were able to meet some of Iranian citizens’ basic needs to a limited extent in areas such as online shopping or interpersonal communication, they lacked the necessary capacity to fully address citizens’ needs across various fields. For this reason, the shutdown of international internet access and the lack of access to many communication platforms, software services, and other online tools created numerous problems for different segments of Iranian society, including students, university professors, programmers, designers, entrepreneurs, and even online gamers.

This issue has once again raised many questions and ambiguities regarding the public’s right to access the internet and the broader communication space connected to it, which today has become one of the essential and important needs of human societies. Although government officials describe this measure as temporary and as a consequence of the security conditions created during wartime, under such circumstances the issue of balancing states’ security requirements with the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights in the field of access to information and communications becomes one of the central topics of discussion in legal and policymaking circles. From the perspective of international law, examining the dimensions of this measure requires attention to principles such as necessity, proportionality, and the permissibility of limiting rights in emergency situations. Moreover, assessing the short-term and long-term consequences of these restrictions on various dimensions of citizens’ social, economic, and academic lives is of particular importance.

Incidents

Since the outbreak of military conflict on February 28, 2026, internet access in Iran has faced extensive and unprecedented restrictions. In the initial hours, connectivity to the international internet dropped sharply and, according to some estimates, fell to a very low percentage of normal levels; monitoring organizations reported that only one percent of Iranians had access to the internet[1]. This situation subsequently continued in a more stable pattern for nearly 50 days, during which a significant portion of users had access only to services based on domestic infrastructure. During this period, all international websites and platforms became inaccessible, and cross-border communications faced complete restrictions. At the same time, reports were also published regarding disruptions in certain domestic communication infrastructures, indicating a change in the way the network was managed under crisis conditions.

Over time, and by late April 2026, signs of limited easing in access levels were observed, such as the possibility of accessing certain Google features. However, these changes were mostly reported as gradual, while public access to the global internet remained subject to serious restrictions. During this period, the pattern of internet access in Iran moved toward a kind of multi-tiered structure in which users’ level of access differed depending on their occupational or functional status. This model has been referred to as “Pro Internet”; within this framework, public access to the international internet is blocked, while access is granted only to specific groups deemed authorized. During these days, even the volume of access was limited. According to reports, it was not possible to use more than 300 text messages per day and 5 gigabytes of international internet per day for individuals who had access[2].

This situation has had consequences in various fields, including education, digital economic activity, and personal communications. At the same time, it has raised debates about how to regulate and balance the requirements of crisis management with society’s communication needs. The continuation of these conditions has further highlighted the importance of examining the technical, social, and legal dimensions of internet access in the context of ongoing developments. This is because the issue has not only blocked access to the international internet, but has also severely disrupted users’ access to Iranian websites and even government websites and platforms. The websites of the Ministry of Justice, the Government Public Communication Center, the Supreme Council of Information Technology of the Country, the Literacy Movement Organization, Farhangian University, the Ports and Maritime Organization, Esfahan Steel Company, and others fall into this category[3]. Moreover, the damage caused by these restrictions has not been limited to technology companies alone; even traditional institutions and factories have been affected[4].

In the field of education, these restrictions quickly revealed their impact and confronted educational structures with sudden changes. Alongside the continued disruption of access to the international internet, a significant part of educational processes was transferred to domestic virtual platforms. Although this made it possible to maintain education to a limited degree, it also created serious challenges due to restricted access to international academic resources, specialized tools, and global educational platforms. Experts believe that internet shutdowns disrupt children’s educational continuity[5]. Students and university students also faced a major barrier in benefiting from diverse educational content, establishing interactive communications, and using transnational educational opportunities, especially foreign-language learning; this could affect the quality of learning in the short term. For example, in the field of school education, classes are held through television programs and the national internet. Therefore, children who do not have laptops or smartphones are automatically excluded. This may be why Alireza Monadi Sefidan, Chair of the Education and Research Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, has called for greater investment to improve remote education conditions across the country, both in schools and universities[6].

At the level of higher education, this situation produced wider consequences, particularly for students involved in international academic processes, including communication with foreign universities, submitting admission applications, or participating in joint scientific projects. Restricted access to the global internet, in some cases, disrupted these processes and increased uncertainty in educational planning. In addition, seemingly ordinary and routine research activities, such as writing books or academic articles — which are highly important for postgraduate students in order to obtain academic credit for admission to higher levels or to make it possible to defend doctoral dissertations — were affected by sometimes irreparable disruptions due to the lack of access to international resources.

Alongside the field of education, the consequences of these restrictions gradually became visible in the sphere of livelihood and economic activity, and may even be more serious than in other sectors and domains. According to statistics, around 10 million Iranians — mainly from the middle and lower classes of society — are directly engaged in activities dependent on the internet[7]. With the reduction or shutdown of access to the international internet, a significant portion of businesses dependent on the digital space, including online stores, providers of virtual services, and jobs based on online communications, faced serious disruption. In some cases, this situation led to a decline in economic activity, limited communication with customers, and disruption in payment and financial exchange processes.

Under such circumstances, although the use of domestic platforms made it possible for some activities to continue to a certain extent, the limited scope of access and cross-border communications challenged the capacity of these platforms to fully replace the global internet. In this regard, the public relations office of one online retail business, speaking about the start-up’s experience during the period without internet access, stated that a significant portion of these businesses’ traffic — even those active on the domestic internet — had been generated through Google. With Google becoming inaccessible, this source of traffic was effectively eliminated[8]. Thus, the existence of a domestic network alone did not function effectively in preserving digital-related jobs.

At the level of employment and household income, these developments also left significant effects. The government announced that many online businesses could not withstand more than three weeks of internet shutdown, and that the pressured economy was suffering tens of millions of dollars in direct losses each day[9]. Internet-dependent jobs, including freelancers, small and start-up businesses, and certain service activities, were more exposed than other sectors to income reduction or operational shutdown. According to Nima Namdari, a start-up sector activist, small businesses are generally family-based and operate on a scale of one to three people, with a very strong dependence on the internet, especially the international internet[10].

Dariush, a Tehran resident who was interviewed by ITV, said that an internet service in which he had invested nearly one million dollars over the past eight years was on the verge of bankruptcy, and that he had to lay off more than 75 percent of his staff. He believes that after repeated shutdowns, continuing under these working conditions is impossible[11]. In another case, a Tehran resident who previously ran an online store on Instagram told Deutsche Welle that the internet shutdown had effectively halted their business. He said: “With the internet cut off, I can no longer work. My savings have run out, and this has affected my life and my wife’s life as well, because she also used Instagram to promote her work[12].”

In addition, restricted access to international markets and online work tools, in some cases, disrupted the continuation of professional cooperation and reduced job opportunities. Overall, the continuation of this situation has created a kind of imbalance between economic needs and available capacities. Examining its consequences across various livelihood-related areas — including income stability and job security — is therefore of particular importance. In this regard, a user published a message on Zoomit, stating: “I have been unemployed for two months, and my bank installments are overdue. I used to pay 15 to 16 million tomans in installments per month, and under these conditions I have dismissed two of my five workers[13].”

In continuation of these developments, the effects of this situation in the field of mental health and individuals’ psychological conditions are also significant. Restriction of internet access, especially when it occurs simultaneously with wider crises, can be accompanied by increased levels of stress and anxiety. Reduced ability to maintain continuous communication with family, friends, and social networks has, in some cases, led to feelings of isolation and social distance, while the limited flow of information has intensified ambiguity and mental uncertainty.

For example, Milad, a 27-year-old clothing seller, stated in an interview with The New Arab that his family lives in Turkey and that he had no way of communicating with them online. Phone calls were also very expensive, and for this reason, he rarely had news of his loved ones in Turkey[14]. Another user on Zoomit stated that he had become nervous, depressed, and aggressive, and that when his parents left the house, he tried to release his emotions through shouting and physical self-harm[15].

Such experiences are numerous and have destructive psychological and emotional effects on individuals. Taken together, these factors have created the grounds for a gradual form of psychological pressure among users, directly or indirectly affecting their everyday lived experience. On the other hand, disruption in ordinary routines of life — including education, work, and social interactions — as a result of communication restrictions can intensify feelings of disorder and instability. Under such conditions, reduced access to online support resources and interactive spaces may also affect individuals’ sense of social support. Overall, the continuation of this situation has created an overlap between psychological, social, and economic pressures. A careful examination of this overlap, alongside other dimensions of the consequences of internet restrictions, is important for a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of this phenomenon.

Overall, based on what has been outlined so far, access to the domestic internet in place of the international internet was only able, in a very limited manner, to prevent the complete collapse of certain platforms. However, the lack of access to the global digital space created a series of unresolved problems — particularly in the field of the digital economy, which represents the most critical and vulnerable sector in this context — that no capacity within the domestic internet can adequately address. Among these challenges are the following:

• Inability to respond to international inquiries, orders, and customer support requests;
• Complete disruption in negotiation processes, contract conclusion, and renewal of ongoing agreements;
• Loss of trust and loyalty among foreign clients due to inaccessibility and communication silence;
• Damage to brand reputation and professional credibility at the international level;
• Full suspension of foreign currency payments to external suppliers and international financial obligations;
• Inability to receive payments from foreign clients through international gateways;
• Accumulation of delays in invoice settlements and potential penalties due to contractual obligations;
• Freezing of financial resources in international accounts without the possibility of management or transfer;
• Disruption in tracking remittances and financial records;
• Loss of access to cloud services (including project management tools, cloud accounting, cloud servers, Google services, and many others);
• Suspension of communication tools such as organizational email systems, team collaboration platforms, and teleconferencing services;
• Inability to receive security updates and software patches;
• Disruption in cloud storage services;
• Inability to use tools for software development, testing, and deployment;
• Disconnection of data centers and lack of updates for core software systems, server security patches, and network switches;
• Damage to credibility and social capital among international partners;
• Loss of business opportunities in competitive markets;
• Decline in employee morale and motivation under conditions of uncertainty;
• Costs associated with rebuilding business relationships after the crisis;
• Suspension of procurement orders for raw materials, components, and services from foreign sources;
• Inability to track shipments in transit and coordinate with logistics companies;
• Risk of suspension or termination of supply contracts by foreign partners due to lack of response;
• Disruption in obtaining customs documentation, certifications, and required paperwork;
• Increased costs due to reliance on alternative routes or emergency sourcing mechanisms[16].

Challenges and Responses

• Digital Rights

The widespread restriction on internet access can be examined within the framework of digital rights as one of the major challenges in this context. Digital rights, as an extension of fundamental human rights in cyberspace, encompass privacy, equal access to technology, and participation in the information space. Many believe that these rights are essentially a continuation of the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, but within the digital environment, with the primary aim of ensuring access to the internet, preventing the digital divide, and promoting the proper use of this network as a shared asset belonging to all humanity[17].

Under conditions of internet shutdown or restriction, the ability to enjoy these rights becomes limited, and some of the fundamental functions of the digital space are disrupted. From the perspective of international law, any restriction in this domain requires compliance with principles such as necessity, proportionality, and temporariness. Moreover, the continuation of such restrictions may affect public trust in communication infrastructures and regulatory institutions. Overall, this situation highlights the need to reconsider how digital policies are formulated and implemented in times of crisis.

• Right of Access to Information

This issue has been recognized in major international instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and regional human rights treaties. Fundamental requirements for democratic governance — such as transparency, accountability of public authorities, and the promotion of participatory decision-making processes — are practically unattainable without sufficient access to information[18].

This right enables individuals to freely access information resources, receive news, and participate in the exchange of data. In conditions of internet restriction, the free flow of information is disrupted, and access to diverse and independent sources is reduced. This can affect public awareness, individual decision-making, and social participation. For individuals to form accurate perspectives, access to reliable sources is essential. When the general public is well-informed, dialogue between civil society and policymakers becomes more meaningful. Civil associations can, based on their research, provide comprehensive and practical proposals to address societal needs. This is not only beneficial for governments — as it reduces the burden of conducting such research themselves — but also increases the likelihood that such proposals will be considered, thereby strengthening public participation in governance[19].

On the other hand, reduced access to information may lead to increased ambiguity, difficulty in verifying data, and a decline in public participation. Under such conditions, attention to mechanisms that can preserve at least a minimum level of access to information becomes particularly important.

• Domestic Reactions

The analytical news outlet Fararu addressed the issue of internet restrictions in a report titled “Gradual Erosion of Livelihoods / The Problem Is Not Just the Internet Shutdown.” The report states that as the communication blackout in Iran approached its 60th day, the head of the Blockchain Commission of the Iran Computer Trade Organization announced that approximately one billion dollars in damage had been imposed on the country’s digital economy over the previous 50 days due to internet disruption. This level of damage has occurred in a context where the recent war has led to the loss of one million jobs and the direct and indirect unemployment of two million people.

Farshad Esmaeili, a labor relations lawyer and labor activist, stated in this regard:
“During the period of developments in January 2026, national data from Iran indicates that the closure of service and retail businesses increased by about 10 to 12 percent. However, the impact of the war intensified disruptions in supply chains and increased layoffs by 15 to 20 percent. At present, these figures appear to be significantly higher, but statistics are not yet fully precise or disaggregated, so I am cautiously referring to minimum estimates.”

According to Esmaeili, the “employment disruption due to crisis” indicator from the International Labour Organization shows that internet shutdown, as a form of “labor market shock,” has caused workers in sectors dependent on online platforms and small-scale exports to exit the labor market either temporarily or permanently. Vulnerable industries include retail, urban transportation, and small manufacturing sectors, which have experienced a decline in activity of approximately 30 to 40 percent due to communication restrictions and environmental insecurity. Additionally, at the micro level, groups such as women working in services and retail have been disproportionately affected, as the lower flexibility of their contracts and increased caregiving responsibilities during wartime have led to higher rates of labor market exit[20].

The analytical outlet Didar also published a note by Dr. Mohsen Sani’i, a faculty member at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. In this analysis, he examined the economic, social, and communication consequences of international internet shutdown, describing it as a factor contributing to widespread disruption of digital businesses and reduced interaction with global markets. The analysis highlights the impact of this situation on declining job opportunities, limitations on freelancers’ activities, and the weakening of the digital economy ecosystem. It also points to restrictions in the flow of information and the reduced ability to represent events at the international level as another consequence of these conditions.

Furthermore, the note emphasizes the importance of public access to the internet in communication, educational, and scientific dimensions, and discusses its effects on interpersonal communication and access to knowledge resources. It also addresses issues such as the justification of restrictions and the emergence of differentiated patterns of internet access, examining their social implications. Overall, the text underscores the necessity of paying attention to the multiple dimensions of this phenomenon and its impact on economic and social structures[21].

The outlet Zoomit has also covered internet shutdowns in Iran through various reports. One of its reports focuses on a less visible consequence of internet disruption: the gradual weakening of users’ cybersecurity. In the absence of internet access, digital devices are deprived of updates and security patches, leading to the accumulation of vulnerabilities over time. This situation increases systems’ exposure to cyberattacks, including malware, ransomware, and zero-interaction intrusions.

The report emphasizes that even a single missed update can leave dozens of security flaws unaddressed, and once reconnected to the internet, such devices may become easy targets for attackers. It also challenges the assumption of safety within domestic networks, noting that many attacks can occur through offline tools or local networks. Devices such as routers and Internet of Things (IoT) equipment are also identified as significant weak points. Ultimately, the report concludes that prolonged internet shutdown creates a form of silent erosion of digital security, the consequences of which are not easily reversible even after reconnection[22].

Finally, the newspaper Donya-ye Eqtesad, in a report titled “A Silent and Devastating Earthquake,” examined the issue of internet shutdown. The report describes internet disruption as a factor affecting the entire economic cycle, impacting both digital businesses and traditional sectors of the economy. According to estimates presented, the direct daily losses from this situation amount to tens of millions of dollars, and when indirect effects are taken into account, the figure increases significantly.

The report further highlights the extensive dependence of economic activities — from financial services and transportation to education and commerce — on the internet, and considers disruption in this infrastructure as a cause of stagnation or reduced efficiency in these processes. It also addresses the impact on the labor market, declining income for economic actors, and increased uncertainty in the business environment. Moreover, the role of the internet as a critical infrastructure for attracting investment and supporting economic development is emphasized, with disruptions leading to reduced investment and slower economic growth. Overall, the report stresses the importance of stable connectivity in maintaining economic dynamism and the continuity of production and service activities[23].

• International Reactions

The international organization Access Now issued a statement in response to internet shutdowns in Iran, calling for the immediate restoration of full internet access. According to the statement, following the onset of military attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, internet connectivity dropped by more than 98 percent. As the war continued, millions of people were deprived of access to the global internet at a time when access to reliable communication and information is critically important.

The organization emphasized that during armed conflicts, maintaining access to open and secure communication networks is essential, as internet shutdowns can have consequences across multiple domains, including health, livelihoods, social cohesion, and access to basic needs. It concluded by stressing the need for governments, regulatory bodies, and technology companies to ensure the continuity of information flows, support communication infrastructures, and prevent shutdowns in times of crisis[24].

Human Rights Watch also addressed internet shutdowns in Iran in a report, highlighting the broad consequences of connectivity disruptions during armed conflict. The report notes that severe reductions in internet access can disrupt individuals’ access to vital information, healthcare services, and essential resources. It further emphasizes that communication restrictions may prevent individuals from contacting family members and loved ones, leading to significant psychological effects.

The report also underlines the role of the internet in information dissemination, documentation of events, and the activities of media and monitoring institutions, identifying disruption in these areas as a key consequence of communication shutdowns. It stresses that any restriction on internet access must be implemented within clear legal frameworks and in compliance with principles of necessity and proportionality. Additionally, the importance of adhering to legal norms when imposing communication restrictions during conflict is highlighted. Overall, the report underscores the critical role of communication infrastructure in reducing harm and improving crisis management[25].

Conclusion

Overall, the examination of this situation highlights the role of the internet as a critical infrastructure in multiple social, economic, and educational functions. Disruption in internet access is therefore not merely a technical limitation but a factor that simultaneously triggers a chain of consequences across different levels. The intersection of wartime crisis conditions with communication restrictions has increased the complexity of managing this situation and underscores the need to rethink models of digital governance.

In this context, the issue of balancing security requirements with the preservation of public access to communication emerges as a structural challenge requiring more precise analysis within the frameworks of international law and public policy. The experience of this period also demonstrates that reliance solely on domestic infrastructure, without connection to the global network, is insufficient to meet the diverse needs of society. This highlights the importance of maintaining connectivity, especially under crisis conditions.

At the same time, domestic and international responses to this situation indicate that internet shutdowns or restrictions extend beyond temporary decisions and have long-term impacts on public trust, economic dynamism, and social capital. The emergence of models such as multi-tiered access may also lead to new transformations in how opportunities are distributed within the digital space, particularly in terms of communication equity.

Furthermore, the overlap of economic, psychological, and informational consequences suggests that the effects of such restrictions manifest cumulatively and gradually, and are not easily reversible even after restrictions are lifted. At the international level, the emphasis on principles such as necessity and proportionality reflects ongoing efforts to frame this issue within existing legal norms. Ultimately, this situation highlights the importance of developing resilient and balanced mechanisms to preserve communication functions during crises as a key priority for future policymaking.

References

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[16] Mahdavi Doost, I. (2026, April 17). Fifty Days of Internet Shutdown: What Happened to People’s Businesses. IRNA. From: https://irna.ir/xjX6vy

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