Iran is set to roll out its own indigenous internet infrastructure, featuring a separate social media ecosystem, domestically developed search engines, and messaging applications—all under complete state control. While access to the global internet will technically remain possible, it will be heavily restricted and closely monitored by government authorities.
International media outlets, citing the internet monitoring organisation Filterwatch, report that Tehran is moving deliberately to establish a parallel, government-controlled digital ecosystem.
The decision comes against a backdrop of widespread civil unrest in the country. Since late December, Iran has witnessed nationwide protests initially sparked by demands for economic reform. These demonstrations gradually evolved into broader anti-government movements. Authorities have accused the United States and Israel of using social media to incite protesters, prompting Tehran to intervene.
On 8 January, the Iranian government shut down internet services nationwide in a bid to control the unrest. Protesters attempting to bypass restrictions through satellite-based Starlink connections were also blocked. This prolonged blackout reportedly helped quell public dissent, consolidating the administration of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to Filterwatch, the new national internet initiative aims to gradually reduce the country’s reliance on the global web. The system will be entirely domestically managed, with full oversight of information and communications residing with the state.
The Iranian national internet will incorporate:
Government-approved search engines
State-sanctioned messaging platforms
Navigation and mapping services
Streaming services similar to Netflix, exclusively hosted within Iran
Access to the global internet will remain strictly controlled, limited to individuals who have obtained special security clearance or passed government verification procedures. Ordinary citizens, by contrast, will primarily use the state-run national network.
NetBlocks, another internet monitoring organisation, notes that Iran endured over 200 hours of complete internet blackout in just ten days—the longest government-enforced shutdown on record globally. As of now, reliable global internet connectivity remains virtually non-existent in the country.
| Feature | Description | Access Level |
|---|---|---|
| Search Engine | Domestically developed and government-approved | Public within national internet |
| Messaging App | Iran’s own secure platform | Public within national internet |
| Streaming Service | Equivalent to Netflix, fully Iranian | Public within national internet |
| Global Internet | International websites and services | Restricted, security-cleared users only |
| Control | Full state oversight of all digital activity | Nationwide |
Iran’s move signals a significant shift towards digital sovereignty, prioritising state control over connectivity and information flow—a development with profound implications for citizens, businesses, and global communications alike.