Iran's Selective Internet Access Sparks Controversy

May 14, 2026

67 min

May 14, 2026 02:31

After months of blackout, Iran gives internet to select few

## Limited Internet Access in Iran

After enduring months of a near-total internet shutdown due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Iran has begun restoring online access, but only for a select few. This move has sparked criticism as it leaves the majority of the population offline while allowing certain professionals and business owners to reconnect.

## "Pro Internet" Service

The "Pro Internet" service, which offers limited access to platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, is available for purchase. However, it comes at a high cost, with users paying around $11 for an initial 50-gigabyte package. Critics argue that this tiered system is designed to generate revenue and creates inequality in internet access.

## Social and Economic Impact

The selective access has not only economic implications but also social ones, as those who purchase the service face criticism for supporting the government's restrictive measures. Many Iranians, already struggling with economic hardships due to sanctions and inflation, find the cost of the service burdensome.

## Government's Stance

Government officials have stated that the internet restrictions are a response to security concerns amid the conflict with Israel and the United States. They have promised a return to normalcy once the situation stabilizes. However, the current system has been criticized for transforming internet access from a public right into a privilege for the few.

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