Inside Iran’s new two-tier internet access, as blackout drags on

Two women use a smartphone in northern Tehran, Iran. Authorities have introduced a system that gives fuller internet access to selected users while much of the population remains under heavy restrictions. AP - Vahid Salemi

Iran is giving privileged internet access to a small group of approved users, while most of the population remains offline during a prolonged nationwide blackout. More than 60 days into one of the longest shutdowns in its history, authorities are moving from blanket censorship to a system that selects who can connect – raising concerns over inequality, economic damage and tighter control of dissent.

That control has now reached an unprecedented level. The current shutdown has lasted more than 60 days, making it the longest internet cut since Libya lost access for nearly six months during the Arab Spring.