After enduring nearly three months of near-total internet blackout, Iranians are cautiously reconnecting online. The nationwide shutdown, imposed by Iranian authorities, has left many skeptical about the partial restoration of access. This move comes after President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered the restoration, as reported by Iranian official media and confirmed by monitoring group NetBlocks.

Resilience Amid Restrictions

Despite the partial return of connectivity, many Iranians remain wary. A 46-year-old man in Tehran, speaking anonymously due to security concerns, noted that while he can connect, the internet is not fully open, and a VPN is still necessary. VPNs, or virtual private networks, are crucial tools for bypassing government-imposed restrictions, allowing users to shield their online activities.

Some citizens have expressed frustration, viewing the limited access as insufficient. An Iranian woman, who previously participated in anti-government protests, criticized the regime’s efforts to control internet access, likening it to a ‘filternet.’ She pointed out that countries like South Korea and Japan offer high-speed internet without such restrictions.

Symbolic Acts of Defiance

In a symbolic show of resilience, some Iranians have begun posting selfies on Instagram for the first time in months. This quiet act of defiance underscores their determination to be seen and heard, despite the government’s tight grip on internet access.

NetBlocks reported that the restoration occurred on the 88th day of the blackout, marking it as the longest nationwide internet shutdown in modern history. However, the extent of the restoration remains uncertain, and internet filtering systems, known as the ‘filternet,’ are still active. Many users continue to rely on circumvention tools to access platforms like WhatsApp.

The centralized nature of Iran’s internet governance, overseen by the Supreme Council for Cyberspace, contributes to the ongoing restrictions. This body, established by then-supreme leader Ali Khamenei in 2012, includes senior political, judicial, intelligence, and religious figures who influence the extent of connectivity allowed to the public.

While some Iranians have access to smuggled Starlink terminals or costly VPNs, most ordinary citizens face limited and uncertain internet access. The government’s decision on how much connectivity to allow remains a critical issue, as the nation grapples with economic challenges and calls for political change.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.