Iran’s leadership appears to be pushing forward with a strategy to disconnect the country permanently from the global internet, digital rights advocates warn. Under this evolving plan, unrestricted online access would become a controlled privilege, isolating most citizens behind a state-managed digital network — a move that could reshape communication and economy across the nation.
Government Eyes Separate National Internet
Activists monitoring internet censorship in Iran say authorities are planning to elevate recent shutdowns into a long-term system that limits access to the global web. Only people who clear government vetting or hold special security approval would be permitted to use a curated version of international internet services. The rest of the population would be confined to Iran’s domestic “national internet,” which is isolated from the wider world and controlled by state filters.
This initiative builds on years of digital segregation, where government authorities have increasingly restricted external internet access during times of protest and unrest. Critics warn that making such restrictions permanent amounts to a dramatic step toward technological isolation, reminiscent of highly controlled digital environments in other authoritarian states.
Protests, Shutdowns and Strategic Control
The latest push comes amid the backdrop of widespread anti-government demonstrations and severe internet blackouts that began in early January 2026. These shutdowns, among the most extensive in the country’s history, have significantly curtailed online communication, making it harder for protest movements to share information internationally.
Officials have justified these internet restrictions as measures to preserve public order, but digital rights groups argue the broader aim is to limit independent reporting and tighten information control. By formalizing a permanent split from the global internet, Tehran could centralize oversight of online activity while stifling external scrutiny.
Potential Impact on Society and Economy
Experts say the consequences of isolating the internet could be far-reaching. An enduring digital divide may deter foreign investment, disrupt international business operations, and limit educational and cultural exchange. The regime’s critics argue that such a controlled digital environment may free authorities from some external pressures, but at the cost of stifling innovation and harming ordinary citizens.
Whether these plans will be fully realized remains uncertain, but the debate highlights the growing struggle over digital freedom and control in the Middle East — a conflict with implications well beyond Iran’s borders.
