Iranians Welcomed the Return of the Internet as Liberation After Imprisonment 0 9

According to one resident of Iran, the ability to open websites again, send messages via Telegram and WhatsApp, and see notifications on his phone brought him tears of joy. People admit that during the shutdown they felt almost cut off from the world and could not contact relatives and friends outside the country, reports BBC.

"You won’t believe it, but when I logged onto the website and saw it open, I felt like I could fly from joy," he told the BBC in the Middle East Daily program. "And when I realized that I could send messages again via Telegram, WhatsApp, and other apps, it was just an incredible feeling."

The internet was blocked after the onset of the military conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. Authorities explained the restrictions as necessary for protection against cyberattacks, espionage, and surveillance. However, residents of the country complained not only about information isolation but also about serious problems for business, education, and everyday life.

"After 88 days, it felt like a prisoner was released after three months of imprisonment and saw the sky for the first time."

The internet shutdown was particularly hard on online store owners, students, and IT professionals. Many admit that regaining access to the network has become a chance for them to return to normal work and communication.

At the same time, residents of Iran fear that even after the partial lifting of restrictions, censorship and control over the internet may only increase. Some services and platforms remain inaccessible.

The return of the internet in Iran has become not just a technical event but a symbol of the return to normal life for millions of people. However, along with the relief, there are concerns about the future of digital freedoms and the possible tightening of control over the online space in the country.