Iran’s internet shutdown causes daily losses of over $20 million, tech group says

Iran’s internet shutdown since the outbreak of anti-government protests has caused daily economic losses exceeding $20 million per day, according to the country’s leading technology industry body, Anadolu reports. Ali Hakim-Javadi, head of Iran’s Computer Engineers Organization, told the news website Entekhab on Sunday that the most heavily affected sectors since the shutdown on Jan. 8 are digital companies and IT service providers. Businesses that rely on continuous access to the global internet have seen a sharp decline in transactions, he said, adding that some companies have been forced to halt operations entirely. He stressed that the economic damages, estimated at approximately $20.6 million per day, only include “direct” losses, warning that broader indirect damages, including erosion of investor confidence, […]