How Iran’s Internet Blackout Is Hurting Businesses

Iran has been grappling with its longest and most comprehensive internet shutdown for nearly two weeks, a move that has sharply restricted access to information and disrupted daily economic life.

The blackout, which began on Jan. 8 amid nationwide protests and a violent crackdown, has left most Iranians cut off from global platforms, with only limited access to some domestic websites.

For many businesses, the shutdown has been devastating. Small retailers and service providers across the country say they relied heavily on social media platforms such as Instagram and Telegram to advertise, communicate with customers, and generate sales. With those tools unavailable, some business owners report revenue drops of up to 90%, raising fears about whether they can survive if the blackout continues.

The internet restrictions come on top of mounting economic pressure. Iran’s currency, the rial, has sharply depreciated, fueling inflation and increasing the cost of food and basic goods.

Government officials have acknowledged that the internet shutdown costs the country millions of dollars per day, while independent monitoring groups estimate the losses to be significantly higher.

Authorities have not provided a clear timeline for restoring full internet access. As the blackout drags on, business owners warn that prolonged digital isolation could cause lasting damage to Iran’s already fragile economy, even as consumer spending continues to weaken under the strain of arrests, protests, and economic uncertainty.