‘This isn’t freedom’: anger, anxiety and tears as Iran’s internet flickers back

5 articles

4 sources

0% diversity

Updated 28.5.2026

Key Topics & People

internet blackout *internet shutdown anti-government protests NetBlocks Isik Mater

Coverage Framing

Human Rights(4)

Diplomatic(1)

Avg Factuality:64%

Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

May 28 Morning

1 articles|1 sources

internet blackoutfreedomanti-government protestsdigital isolationconnectivity

Human Rights(1)

The Guardian - World NewsMay 28

‘This isn’t freedom’: anger, anxiety and tears as Iran’s internet flickers back

After 88 days of near-total internet blackout, partial connectivity returned to Iran on Tuesday, allowing long-delayed messages and content to resurface. However, the restoration was met with skepticism, anxiety, and anger rather than celebration. Many Iranians expressed frustration that the limited access, which still hinders work and communication, was being lauded by some as an achievement. The blackout was initially imposed during anti-government protests and later reinstated following strikes against Iran. For many, the return of the internet brought a painful reminder of losses, including executed individuals and destruction from war, leading to profound grief and a sense of misery rather than freedom.

Mixed toneMixed3 sources

Negative

Key Claims

factual

Iran's internet connectivity was partially restored after 88 days of near-total blackout, with limited connectivity returning on Tuesday.

factual

The internet blackout was initially imposed in January during a crackdown on anti-government protests and later reimposed after US and Israeli strikes.

quote

Some Iranians view the partial restoration with suspicion, fearing expanded surveillance and calling it 'filternet' rather than freedom.

— Mina*

quote

Western media celebrating the partial restoration is seen as 'nauseating' and an 'absolute joke' by some Iranians.

— Maryam*

factual

Many Iranians reacted with skepticism, anxiety, and anger to the partial internet restoration, not celebration.

May 27 Evening

1 articles|1 sources

internet accessinternet shutdownrestrictionsirannationwide protests

Human Rights(1)

Associated Press (AP)May 27

Iranians are back online after a monthslong shutdown but still face heavy restrictions

Iranians are regaining internet access after a monthslong shutdown, though service remains slow and restricted, with popular apps like YouTube and Instagram heavily limited. Authorities justified the outage as a military necessity following attacks by the U.S. and Israel, lifting some restrictions as a truce appeared imminent. This unprecedented shutdown, one of the world's longest, significantly impacted online careers and businesses, and made communication difficult for families. While connectivity is at 86% of pre-cutoff levels, internet traffic is only at 40%, and cybersecurity analysts caution that disruptions persist. The economic cost of the shutdown was substantial, with daily losses estimated at $30-40 million.

MeasuredFactual3 sources

Negative

Key Claims

factual

Iranians began to regain internet access after authorities ended a monthslong shutdown.

statistic

Iran’s connectivity is at around 86% of capacity from before the cutoff, while internet traffic is at around 40%.

— Netblocks and Kentik

factual

Iranians have been cut off from the internet for most of 2026, one of the world’s longest and strictest national shutdowns.

factual

Prices for internet data spiked during the shutdown, with residents paying around $7.50 per gigabyte at times.

factual

Authorities justified the outage as a military imperative after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28.

— Authorities

May 26 Evening

3 articles|3 sources

internet blackoutiraninternet accessinternet restrictionsprotests

Human Rights(2)

BBC News - WorldMay 26

Internet starts coming back in Iran after months-long blackout

Internet access is gradually returning to Iran after a prolonged blackout that began in late February, coinciding with the start of a war. While some connectivity has been restored, it is not yet at pre-blackout levels, with regional variations and increased filtering, including restrictions on messaging apps like WhatsApp. This follows a pattern where internet shutdowns in Iran have historically been followed by heavier restrictions and tighter controls. The government introduced an "internet pro" scheme after an April 8 ceasefire, offering premium access to businesses and professionals for a fee and requiring identity verification. Many Iranians have attempted to circumvent restrictions using VPNs and satellite technology.

MeasuredFactual1 source

Negative

The Guardian - World NewsMay 26

No sign of end to Iranian internet blackout despite regime claims

Iranian authorities announced an end to an 88-day internet blackout, the longest in the country's history, which began during protests in January. However, internet monitors have not observed any immediate impact, and it remains unclear if technical or political issues are causing the delay. The government cited the return of Gmail as an initial sign of restoration, a move supported by President Masoud Pezeshkian due to significant economic damage and fears of mass unemployment. Security officials had previously resisted lifting the restrictions, concerned about foreign communication fostering further protests. The blackout has severely impacted Iran's digital economy, with millions of jobs and businesses affected.

Mixed toneFactual4 sources

Negative

Diplomatic(1)

South China Morning PostMay 26

Iran restores partial internet access after record months-long blackout

Iran has begun restoring partial internet access after an 88-day near-total blackout on its national network. A monitoring group, NetBlocks, reported connectivity rose to approximately 35 percent of typical levels on Tuesday. This move is described as the first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace, fulfilling a government promise. First Vice-President Mohammad Reza Aref stated this action aligns with the President's mission. The restoration comes amid a diplomatic push to end a war with the US.

MeasuredFactual1 source

Positive

Key Claims

factual

Iran started restoring access to the internet after a record months-long blackout.

quote

The first step toward free and regulated access to cyberspace has been taken.

— Mohammad Reza Aref

factual

Iran introduced an 'internet pro' scheme, a premium tier for businesses and professionals, after an April 8 ceasefire.

— article

statistic

Amnesty International reported Iranian authorities have arbitrarily executed at least 36 individuals and 78 others are under sentence of death.

— Amnesty International

statistic

Connectivity rose to around 35% of typical levels after 88 days of near-total blackout.

— NetBlocks