More than 75 days after Iran imposed sweeping internet restrictions, tens of millions of Iranians remain cut off from the outside world. The blackout has severed ordinary communications, disrupted online businesses and deepened the sense of isolation inside a country already battered by war, sanctions, inflation and a growing shortage of hard currency.
Holly Dagres, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, says she found in a 2022 report that around 11 million Iranians had online businesses, including many women seeking financial independence through handicrafts, catering, Instagram sales or influencer work.
“This internet shutdown has gravely impacted people,” she told the Eye for Iran podcast, adding that Iranian officials themselves have said 20% of the country’s 30 million-strong workforce has been affected.
Iranian e-commerce platforms, ride-hailing services, streaming…
