Iran Eases Internet Restrictions…But 'Tiered Access' Raises Concerns

On April 19 (local time), The New York Times reported that the Iranian government has partially lifted a broad internet shutdown that had lasted for over 50 days. However, critics argue that Iran is creating a 'tiered internet' model, allowing access only to those with political and economic privilege. This change is expected to further fuel debates about freedom and information accessibility within Iran. Particularly, the younger generation and activists criticize these controls as suppressing their freedom of expression, and the international community has also expressed concern over the Iranian government's internet control policies.