Iran's Digital Despair: The Cost of Connectivity Loss

Iran’s extensive internet blackout, initiated amid nationwide unrest, is choking businesses reliant on online platforms. With connectivity restricted, the economic strain worsens. The rial's devaluation, soaring inflation, and revised gasoline prices compound public dissatisfaction. Economic impacts are severe, potentially costing $1.6 billion due to disrupted businesses and digital reliance.

For nearly two weeks, Iranians have faced the most prolonged internet shutdown in the Islamic Republic's history, severely limiting access to global information and crippling businesses dependent on digital advertising.

Authorities ordered the shutdown on January 8 following widespread protests, leading to a brutal crackdown that has reportedly resulted in over 4,000 deaths. Limited connectivity has returned, but only for select domestic sites, with Google partly resuming its search function.

With no official timeline for a full internet restoration, businesses face uncertainty. A Tehran pet shop, primarily using Instagram and Telegram, reports a 90% revenue loss. Meanwhile, the currency's devaluation to over 1.4 million per dollar strains inflation further, exacerbating citizens' financial challenges, amid hikes in gasoline prices sparking unrest.

(With inputs from agencies.)