Iran in digital crisis: 400,000 companies are fighting for survival!

Iran in digital crisis: 400,000 companies are fighting for survival!

Iran - In the past few weeks, the internet landscape in Iran has changed dramatically. The reason? A military conflict that started on June 13, 2025 and has significantly impaired digital communication in the country. Almost since the beginning of this conflict, which led to one of the most serious internet hatdown in the history of Iran, an increasing control over information flows and online activities has been observed. While there are over 400,000 small and medium -sized companies in front of the economic collapse, the population is faced with massive cuts in their digital communication freedom. Many Iranians are more dependent on VPNs to obtain access to information and services outside the highly censored national network.

An open letter from managing directors and companies to the Iranian Ministry of Communication, dated July 2, calls for immediate termination of the deliberate disorders of online access. Over 400,000 small and medium -sized companies that feed millions of Iranians suffer from the persistent restrictions. These disorders have already led to mass layoffs, investment stops and company closures. The stress and despair in the economy are omnipresent and the government lets the population rip off in the dark, while it justifies the blackouts as a necessary measure to defend cyber attacks. Experts like Mehdi Yahyanejad emphasized that there is no valid evidence.

a dark chapter of digital censorship

The internet connection in Iran has been almost completely cut since June 18. In a country with 91 million inhabitants, where information about social media and messaging services is spread, this shutdown caused a digital vacuum. According to the NetBlocks organization, almost no data traffic between Iran and the rest of the world were registered during these critical days. So the descriptions of people who experienced it as the deepest constriction of digital freedom.

The Iranian cyber security authority has introduced new security guidelines in this context that restrict the use of smartphones and laptops for civil servants and the broad population. Such measures could be part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen national security, while in the international community, concerns about the effects on economic development are sound. Historically speaking, Iran has already taken similar measures during political unrest, and many fear that the current developments will result in a constant restriction of digital freedom.

the look into the digital future

How the digital infrastructure continues in Iran is currently unclear. Experts warn of the long -term consequences of such censorship. The dependence on foreign technologies could further weaken the Iranian economy. In addition, the international community could react to the restrictions with sanctions that could further burden the country's already battered economy.

The "National Internet", a mega project that has been planned since the 2019 protests, could be an answer to these challenges. However, it should be viewed with skepticism. So far, the available Iranian messenger apps have been little accepted, and the population shows a preference for the use of international services. The Iranian government even decided on June 19 to allow foreign numbers to register in order to facilitate communication with Iranians living abroad - but the response was low.

The current situation in Iran illustrates the difficulties with which the country is faced. With every step the government takes to obtain control, experts find that the reaction of the population is becoming increasingly unpredictable. It remains to be seen how this digital dystopia will develop.

summarized Iran has reached a critical point where the digital freedom and the future of the country are at stake. These developments are not just a local, but a global topic that deals with the entire international community. The decisions of the Iranian government and the reaction of the population depend on whether a change is possible.

for more information on ongoing developments in Iran, see also the reports of Iran International , it-boltweise and Die Zeit .