After 88 days of total internet isolation, internet connectivity began flickering back to life in Iran this week. The Iranian government conducted the longest nationwide internet shutdown in history. It left 90 million people in the country dealing with social isolation, increasing disappointment, and distress.

The Iranian government first cut off internet access on February 28. Authorities justified the blackout by stating that it was responding to the outbreak of the ongoing military conflict with Israel and the United States, which has now become an ongoing war. For three months, Iranians didn’t have access to the public internet. Simple necessities like messages, YouTube, and Google were completely blocked off. Instead, they were forced to use heavily censored “domestic websites” which are monitored by the Iranian government. Whatever they looked at, searched up, or even texted, was seen by the government.

The long period of no access to public internet struck a major blow on Iran’s economy, which was already struggling due to the war and international sanctions. Without major platforms like Instagram and business owners’ personal websites, many people lost tons of money and even their entire livelihoods. “Many people lost everything during this blackout,” said Keyumars, a computer programmer in Tehran. “There are people who have to start again from far below zero, while carrying heavy debts and lost customers.” To prevent being arrested by the Iranian government, Keyumars has chosen to keep his last name private.

Not only did this internet blackout affect businesses, but it also isolated citizens from international and current events. For months, people couldn’t check on their family members and had no way of contacting them. People were unable to read independent news which left everyone in an information vacuum. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Communications Minister Sattar Hashemi framed the restoration of the internet as a step towards a better future; however, the reactions of the citizens are the opposite. People have not been hopeful that this is a better change.

Many Iranians citizens believe the government is not actually providing internet freedom. Citizens suspect that the state is moving them to a more heavily controlled network. They are convinced that the government is treating the internet as a privilege, rather than a right, sparking nation-wide controversy.

For citizens who were able to log back in, the digital reunion is nothing but grief. The ongoing war has taken a toll. Their timelines are full of videos of the deceased and photos of the damage caused by the war.

Experts have said that online connectivity in Iran is still unstable, and it remains inaccessible for the majority of the population.