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Iran's Historic 20-Day Internet Blackout Costs $1.5 Billion

2/2/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Iran experienced its longest internet blackout in history, lasting nearly 20 days, as the government sought to quell anti-government protests.
The shutdown cost an estimated $1.5 billion and signals a shift toward a "whitelisting" system that would limit access to the international web.
Some connectivity has resumed, but heavy filtering persists, and authorities crack down on satellite internet such as Starlink, threatening imprisonment for users.

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Story summary

Iran experienced its longest internet blackout in history, lasting nearly 20 days, as the government sought to quell anti-government protests.
The shutdown cost an estimated $1.5 billion and signals a shift toward a "whitelisting" system that would limit access to the international web.
Some connectivity has resumed, but heavy filtering persists, and authorities crack down on satellite internet such as Starlink, threatening imprisonment for users.