Iran appears to be easing the strict internet blackout imposed nationwide earlier this month, but the highly inconsistent return of connectivity suggests authorities are still actively throttling and filtering access. Similar disruptions have had severe consequences elsewhere, including Egypt’s estimated $90 million loss during the 2011 Tahrir Square protests, highlighting how deeply dependent modern economies are on stable internet access. pic.twitter.com/psHtkAWeTi — NetBlocks (@netblocks) January 27, 2026Madory suggested Iranian authorities appear to be adjusting controls in real time, attempting to balance economic needs with political oversight. According to reports, Iranian executives gathered at the Tehran Chamber of Commerce simply to gain limited internet access, with each person restricted to a 30-minute session under government monitoring. The blackout followed nearly two weeks of escalating anti-government protests and has severely limited information flowing out of the country.