After enduring a complete internet blackout for four consecutive days, some Iranians found brief moments of connectivity on Friday. This access, however, comes through unstable and often unreliable means, allowing users to connect to weak networks intermittently by switching servers.
One individual, Arta—who left Tehran just days before—described the situation as feeling like navigating in a "dark cave." While he managed to send a few messages via Instagram, many are skeptical about the security and longevity of these connections due to continued governmental restrictions. "Even SMS texts don’t go through sometimes," he noted, illustrating the extent of the communication challenges faced by citizens.
The blackout began amid escalating tensions related to ongoing conflicts involving Israel, and it severely disrupted the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), which are essential tools for many Iranians trying to circumvent these restrictions. As limited internet access returned, VPN providers took to social media to caution users against sharing connection links widely, fearing that increased traffic could lead to further disconnections.
One message from a VPN operator emphasized the precarious situation, urging users to "act cautiously" as reports of server overloads soon emerged again. The ongoing internet disruptions and government clampdowns have left many in Iran feeling vulnerable and isolated, grappling with both physical and digital constraints on their daily lives.
