Iran is moving towards a permanent and radical disconnection from the global internet, according to digital rights activists. A confidential plan would turn international online access into a privilege reserved solely for individuals approved by the regime.
A 'Governmental Privilege' for the Vetted Few
The report from Filterwatch, an organisation monitoring Iran's internet censorship, states that unrestricted access to the worldwide web will not return after 2026. Amir Rashidi, the leader of Filterwatch, explained that under the scheme, only Iranians who pass government security checks would get a filtered version of the global internet. Everyone else would be confined to Iran's national intranet, a domestic network completely severed from the outside world.
This drastic shift comes amid one of the most severe internet blackouts in history, which began on 8 January following 12 days of escalating anti-regime protests. The shutdown has stifled the flow of information from the country as authorities attempt to quell dissent. A government spokesperson has reportedly said the international internet will remain off until at least Nowruz, the Persian new year on 20 March.
The Technology Behind the Digital Wall
Researchers believe Iran's ability to implement such widespread control is enabled by sophisticated technology, likely exported by China. This involves high-capacity 'middleboxes' attached to network cables to monitor and manipulate all internet traffic. This system allows for 'whitelisting' – permitting access for a select few while blocking the majority.
The other pillar of Iran's strategy is its national internet, a parallel online ecosystem developed since 2009. This domestic network hosts regime-approved messaging services, search engines, and streaming platforms, all heavily monitored and with no links to the broader internet. It remained operational throughout the recent protests and is now the only option for most citizens.
Plausible, Terrifying, and Costly
A former US state department official specialising in internet censorship called the plan "plausible and terrifying," but warned of massive economic and cultural repercussions. "The economic impact and the cultural impact will be really massive. And they may overplay their hand," the official stated.
Amir Rashidi of Filterwatch suggested authorities are satisfied with the control afforded by the current shutdown. "It looks like [authorities] are happy with the current level of internet connectivity, and they believe this kind of shutdown helped them to control the situation," he said.
This potential permanent fracture represents the culmination of a 16-year effort by the Iranian regime to cement its digital control, a process that began in earnest after a crude internet blackout during the 2009 election protests proved economically damaging. The coming years will test whether Iran can sustain a new, isolated online reality and bear the severe consequences of such a move.
