CAIRO — Iranians are cautiously returning online after a monthslong internet shutdown, but the restoration is far from equitable. While authorities have ended the blackout that began in January during nationwide protests, service remains slow, spotty, and heavily censored, particularly affecting vulnerable populations and those reliant on the internet for their livelihoods.

The Iranian government initially justified the shutdown by citing military necessity after attacks by the United States and Israel on February 28. But the extended outage, coinciding with mass protests, raises concerns about the government's use of internet access as a tool for suppressing dissent and controlling information.

Netblocks reports that Iran's connectivity has reached 86% of its pre-shutdown capacity. However, Kentik's data reveals that internet traffic remains at only 40%, indicating that many Iranians are still unable to fully utilize the restored access due to cost, speed, or censorship.

Cybersecurity analyst Amir Rashidi rightly points out that it's too early to declare the shutdown over, given the persistent disruptions and restrictions. This partial restoration underscores the digital divide within Iran, where access to information and communication is not uniformly available to all citizens.

The shutdown had devastating economic consequences, particularly for young people in online careers. Many saw their incomes vanish, and online businesses were forced to close, exacerbating the economic hardship already caused by war and sanctions. This disproportionately affected marginalized communities who rely on online opportunities for income generation.

The internet cutoff also severely hampered communication between families, especially those separated by distance. One Tehran resident described the anguish of being unable to connect with her sons living abroad. This isolation underscores the importance of reliable internet access as a fundamental human right, essential for social connection and family well-being.

During the shutdown, internet prices skyrocketed, making access unaffordable for many. While prices have since decreased, the cost of VPNs, necessary to circumvent government censorship, remains prohibitive for those already struggling financially. This creates a two-tiered system where only those with resources can access uncensored information and communication.

The continued restrictions on social media sites further limit Iranians' ability to express themselves and access diverse perspectives. The reliance on VPNs, while offering a workaround, also raises privacy and security concerns, potentially exposing users to surveillance and censorship.

Businesses are slowly returning online, but the damage has been done. A tech influencer in Isfahan lamented the loss of audience and income, highlighting the precariousness of online livelihoods in an environment of government control and censorship. The government's actions have created a chilling effect, discouraging online expression and innovation.

The Iranian government's justification of the shutdown as a wartime necessity is questionable, given the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations and the suppression of dissent. The international community must pressure Iran to ensure equitable access to the internet, end censorship, and respect the digital rights of its citizens.

The long-term consequences of this shutdown extend beyond the immediate economic and social impacts. It has eroded trust in the government and highlighted the fragility of internet freedom in Iran. A truly just and equitable society requires universal access to information and communication, free from censorship and control.