Iranian businesses suffer new blow as internet blackout lingers

DUBAI, Jan 26 (Reuters) – Iranian businesses are reeling from an internet blackout, imposed while authorities used massive force to crush large-scale protests, which has crippled commerce in an already battered economy.

Tehran has blocked internet access since January 8, after anti-government protests spread across the country and led to the bloodiest crackdown since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, and uncertainty persists over when it will reconnect to the global web.

According to U.S.-based rights group HRANA, the verified unrest-related death toll has reached 5,848, including 209 security personnel. Official figures put the death toll at 3,117. Reuters was unable to independently verify the numbers.

LIMITED ACCESS TO OUTSIDE WORLD

While Iran’s domestic network has gradually allowed limited access to online platforms, such as government websites and school intranets, it has not restored wider connectivity to the global internet, which many businesses rely on to operate.

The restrictions have drawn sharp criticism from businessmen and some government officials, including Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi who said 10 million people were employed in the digital economy.

“Economic actors are very angry. Solutions must quickly be put in place for traders to maintain their communication with the outside world,” Jalil Jalalifar, of the Iran-Russia Joint Chamber of Commerce, was quoted as saying by business outlet Tejaratnews.

Majid Reza Hariri, head of the Iran-China Chamber of Commerce, criticised measures allowing some internet access for being “only enough to check a few emails” due to short time limits and tight supervision, business outlet Eghtesadonline reported.

Although calm has returned to the streets after weeks of protests, uncertainty over when the country’s digital isolation will end added to frustration among business owners.

Some state media reported on Sunday that a high-level security body had instructed restoring full access to the global internet, but the reports were denied by authorities.

Some lawmakers defended the restrictions.

“The internet has been America’s tool for controlling the world,” lawmaker Abolfazl Zahravand was quoted as saying by state media.

Security and judicial bodies have blamed the internet for facilitating communication between what they say were “rioters” or “armed terrorists” and foreign powers during protests.

(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Alex Richardson)