Iran reportedly planning permanent split from global internet, activists say

Iran is planning to permanently sever most users from the global internet and allow only individuals vetted by the regime to connect online, Iranian digital rights activists say. Filterwatch, an organisation monitoring Iran’s internet censorship, said a confidential plan would turn international internet access into a “governmental privilege”, and cited state media and government spokespersons as signalling a permanent shift, warning that unrestricted access will not return after 2026.

Amir Rashidi, leader of Filterwatch, said those with security clearance or who passed government checks would have access to a filtered version of the global internet, while all other Iranians would be limited to a domestic, parallel national internet cut off from the broader world.

The current shutdown began on 8 January after 12 days of escalating anti‑regime protests; the report says thousands of people have been killed and that the blackout is one of the most severe in history, lasting longer than Egypt’s 2011 shutdown. A government spokesperson reportedly told Iranian media the international internet would be shut off until at least Nowruz on 20 March.

Researchers cited in the report say the move is the culmination of a 16‑year effort that includes whitelisting, high‑capacity middleboxes possibly enabled by Chinese technology, and a national internet that runs only inside Iran and hosts regime-built services. It remains unclear whether Iran can create a lasting, separate online reality.

Key Topics

World, Iran, Filterwatch, Amir Rashidi, National Internet, Internet Shutdown