Tehran, Iran — Authorities in Iran are reportedly moving toward a radical transformation of the country’s internet access, planning to permanently sever its connection to the global internet. Instead, access will be restricted to a select group of individuals approved by the government, raising concerns among digital rights advocates.

A confidential strategy is being developed that would redefine international internet access as a “governmental privilege,” according to sources familiar with the situation. Reports suggest government representatives have indicated that unrestricted access to the global internet may not resume after 2026, signaling a commitment to this new direction.

Under the proposed framework, only Iranians who meet certain security criteria or pass government screenings are expected to gain access to a filtered version of the internet. Those who do not meet these requirements would be confined to a domestic internet, effectively isolating them from the broader global digital landscape.

The current shutdown of internet services began on January 8, following a wave of anti-regime protests that lasted over a week. The government’s efforts to stifle the demonstrations have already resulted in thousands of fatalities, with the crackdown visibly hampering communication and information exchange within the country.

Limited reports suggest that this ongoing blackout is among the most severe in recent history, eclipsing the 2011 internet shutdown during the Egyptian Tahrir Square protests. An official statement revealed that international internet services would remain suspended until at least Nowruz, the Persian New Year, on March 20.

Some analysts view the prospect of a lasting separation from the global internet as both feasible and alarming, emphasizing the significant economic and cultural repercussions that could arise from such a decision. The current internet controls appear to have aided the government in managing dissent, but experts caution that they could miscalculate the broader consequences of this strategy.

The move to implement a national internet has been in the works since 2009, spurred by previous experiences of internet shutdowns that revealed the inherent risks and costs associated with such actions. In the years that followed, Iranian authorities have carefully refined their approach to internet censorship, utilizing sophisticated filtering systems that make it increasingly difficult for the average user to access unrestricted information.

Experts have noted that the construction of an isolated national internet has been supported by technologies possibly sourced from China, which facilitate monitoring and control of online activity. Reports indicate the existence of systems capable of inspecting internet traffic nationwide, allowing the regime to block specific websites and control access to various online platforms.

On the ground, the national internet provides limited options for users, with sites and applications designed exclusively by the government. Despite its functionality, this system maintains strict barriers, effectively trapping users within a controlled online environment.

The effort to establish a domestic internet gained momentum after authorities recognized the drawbacks of sweeping blackout measures. While the potential for long-term isolation from the global internet looms, the economic implications could prove to be detrimental for the ruling administration.

Though Iran may possess the technical means to impose such restrictions, experts warn that the strategy could backfire, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among citizens and an exacerbation of the regime’s challenges. The situation calls for close monitoring as the digital rights community voices alarm over the impending repercussions of this shift.