Iranian Internet Shutdown Forces Users to Distrusted Domestic Apps
In Iran, a government-imposed internet shutdown has pushed citizens onto domestic apps like Rubika, Bale, and Shad, which are plagued by slow speeds, censorship, and surveillance concerns. This disruption has severely impacted businesses, particularly those reliant on global platforms like Instagram. Users report functionality issues and fear state monitoring. The shutdown has also affected education, with students and teachers struggling to adapt to inadequate online platforms. The situation has led to economic challenges, with businesses facing high advertising costs and censorship on domestic apps. 
