Iran begins easing bans on global internet
Iran has started restoring access to the global internet more than ten days after it was restricted in response to widespread unrest and acts of terrorism.
Local news agencies confirmed in reports late Sunday that Google search services were once again available to both mobile and fixed-line internet users throughout Iran.
The semi-official Tasnim news agency had reported a day earlier that access to the global internet, which had been fully blocked on January 9 following deadly riots and terrorist acts on the streets, would be reinstated in stages.
Reports indicated that group and personal messaging functions on four popular domestic platforms had also been restored, while the widely used Eitaa platform was expected to resume its messaging services soon.
Authorities had already lifted a ban on SMS communications on Friday.
The restrictions were imposed shortly after extensive unrest began on January 8 and persisted for several days in towns and major cities across Iran. Thousands of civilians and security personnel were killed in the incidents, which authorities blamed on foreign-backed terrorist elements operating within the country.
A senior official from Iran’s telecoms ministry said on Sunday that the internet shutdown had caused significant economic harm to online businesses in Iran.
Ehsan Chitsaz, a deputy telecom minister for digital economy, cited expert reports estimating losses at four to six trillion rials ($27-41 million).
During the internet blackout, Iranians relied on the National Information Network (NIN) for essential online activities such as banking and shopping.
Iran’s National Center for Cyberspace announced last week that the government would introduce policies to improve National Information Network (NIN) services and make them more convenient for users inside the country.
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