By Trendsetter Tribune 
Iranian activists warn the regime may permanently restrict global internet access, allowing only vetted users online. Analysis explores censorship, economic, and societal impacts.
Iran is reportedly planning to permanently sever much of its population from the global internet, allowing only government-approved individuals to access international websites. Digital rights activists warn this step represents a historic escalation in online control, transforming internet access into a “governmental privilege.”
The move comes amid ongoing nationwide protests and follows the longest internet shutdown in Iran’s modern history, which began on 8 January 2026 after 12 days of demonstrations.
Background: The Rise of Iran’s National Internet
Iran’s efforts to control online activity date back to 2009, when authorities first realized the economic and social costs of full internet shutdowns during mass protests. In response, the government began building a domestic network, now known as the national internet, designed to operate independently from the global web.
Over the past decade, authorities implemented:
- Internet traffic filtering and whitelisting, often using technology reportedly imported from China.
- Policies requiring critical infrastructure, such as data centers, to be located inside the country.
- A controlled ecosystem of domestic apps and services, including messaging platforms, search engines, and streaming services.
These measures have allowed the government to block social media platforms, monitor activity, and maintain connectivity for select individuals while isolating most citizens from the broader internet.
What the New Plan Entails
According to Filterwatch, a digital rights monitoring group, Iran plans to:
- Allow only vetted individuals or those with security clearance to access a filtered version of the global internet.
- Restrict the rest of the population to the national internet, which is disconnected from international websites and services.
- Make this restriction permanent, with no expectation of full global access returning after 2026.
This approach effectively turns international internet access into a controlled privilege, with authorities able to monitor or block traffic using advanced network devices.
Analysis: Implications for Citizens and Economy
Experts warn the move could have far-reaching consequences:
- Economic impact: Businesses reliant on international connectivity could face disruptions, stifling innovation and foreign trade.
- Cultural and societal impact: Citizens would lose access to global news, education, and social platforms, increasing isolation.
- Political control: The regime gains unprecedented ability to monitor communications and limit dissent.
Former U.S. State Department officials describe the plan as “plausible and terrifying,” noting that while technically feasible, implementing such a system nationwide carries enormous financial and societal costs.
Historical Context: Decades of Internet Control
Iran’s current capabilities are the result of a 16-year effort to control digital life:
- Following 2009 protests, authorities began building internal infrastructure.
- By 2012, the Supreme Council of Cyberspace coordinated a domestic network, allowing selective internet access.
- The government refined shutdown strategies over time, blocking platforms during unrest while keeping essential services online.
These policies have created a dual-internet system: one for the public (domestic and isolated) and another for approved users who can access global resources under close supervision.
Conclusion: A New Digital Reality
Iran’s plan to permanently restrict global internet access underscores the country’s broader strategy of digital authoritarianism. While the national internet continues to function during protests, analysts warn that full implementation of a government-controlled global internet could severely impact the economy, education, and citizens’ freedom online.
The coming months will reveal whether Iran can enforce this split permanently, but digital rights activists emphasize the urgent need for global awareness and advocacy.