In brief
After enduring a complete internet blackout for four days, some Iranians managed to regain limited online access late on Friday. Many relied on VPNs, though services were still compromised. Citizens expressed concern over the reliability and safety of the connections amid ongoing government restrictions.
After four days of an overwhelming internet blackout, some regions in Iran experienced a limited return to connectivity late Friday. Individuals were able to access weak connections by switching servers, but there was an ongoing atmosphere of uncertainty regarding the safety and sustainability of these links.One Iranian national, who fled Tehran earlier in the week, mentioned, “It feels like we’re in a dark cave,” describing the challenging environment for communication. Like numerous others, he opted to share only his first name to avoid government scrutiny. He noted that even basic SMS messages were unreliable.For many in Iran, the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) was crucial to bypass the stringent government-imposed internet restrictions. However, since the onset of recent attacks, many VPN services have also experienced significant disruptions. With connectivity cautiously returning, VPN providers cautioned users against sharing links to servers, fearing such actions could overwhelm their services and exacerbate disconnections.As the situation continues to evolve, citizens remain vigilant, understanding the precarious nature of their online connections and the ever-looming risks posed by governmental oversight.
