54 Days Offline: 10 Million Jobs At Risk

As Iran’s total internet shutdown enters its 54th day, Minister of Information and Communications Technology Sattar Hashemi warned that the continued disruption could seriously threaten the jobs of around 10 million people who rely on stable internet access for their livelihoods.

He said most of those affected belong to middle- and lower-income groups, adding: “The continued instability of the internet means a direct threat to the employment of this vast population; an issue that could have profound social and economic consequences.”

After U.S. and Israeli attacks began and the conflict escalated, authorities in the Islamic Republic imposed strict limits on public access to the global internet. These restrictions are still in place, with only a small section of users able to access an open connection.

At the same time, economic voices have raised alarm over the growing financial damage. Last week, the head of the Knowledge-Based Commission of the Iran Chamber of Commerce said the country is losing an estimated $30 million to $40 million every day due to the shutdown, with total losses, including indirect impacts, reaching $70 million to $80 million daily.

Over the past few weeks, there have also been multiple reports of layoffs across internet-driven businesses and service companies, adding to fears about the long-term impact on Iran’s economy and job market.