Iran appears set to sever its ties with the global internet, only allowing vetted individuals to connect online under a new, supposedly permanent plan. According to digital rights activists and researchers, a 'governmental privilege' system is being developed, which would effectively isolate the Iranian population from the outside world.
The proposed plan involves filtering out international internet access and restricting it to those with security clearance or government-approved connections. This leaves the vast majority of Iranians without access to the global internet, forced to rely on Iran's domestic 'national internet,' a parallel network cut off from the rest of the world.
Experts say that technology imported from China may have enabled Iran to establish this highly controlled and isolated system, which could be used to monitor and manipulate online activity. Iranian authorities claim that their shutdowns have allowed them to effectively control the situation and curb dissenting voices.
The move follows a 16-year effort by the regime to cement its grip on internet governance in Iran. A major component of this strategy has been the establishment of a sophisticated filtering system, known as 'whitelisting,' which allows select few to access the global internet while blocking others from connecting to it.
Experts warn that attempting a permanent break from the global internet would have significant economic and cultural implications for Iran, and may lead to unintended consequences. The country's ability to control online activity has raised concerns about its commitment to human rights, particularly in light of ongoing human rights abuses against pro-democracy protesters who were violently suppressed by security forces.
Iran's national internet has already proven effective during the recent wave of anti-regime protests, allowing authorities to maintain their grip on power. However, it remains to be seen whether this move will succeed in establishing a new permanent online reality for Iran or if it will ultimately prove counterproductive for the regime.
The proposed plan involves filtering out international internet access and restricting it to those with security clearance or government-approved connections. This leaves the vast majority of Iranians without access to the global internet, forced to rely on Iran's domestic 'national internet,' a parallel network cut off from the rest of the world.
Experts say that technology imported from China may have enabled Iran to establish this highly controlled and isolated system, which could be used to monitor and manipulate online activity. Iranian authorities claim that their shutdowns have allowed them to effectively control the situation and curb dissenting voices.
The move follows a 16-year effort by the regime to cement its grip on internet governance in Iran. A major component of this strategy has been the establishment of a sophisticated filtering system, known as 'whitelisting,' which allows select few to access the global internet while blocking others from connecting to it.
Experts warn that attempting a permanent break from the global internet would have significant economic and cultural implications for Iran, and may lead to unintended consequences. The country's ability to control online activity has raised concerns about its commitment to human rights, particularly in light of ongoing human rights abuses against pro-democracy protesters who were violently suppressed by security forces.
Iran's national internet has already proven effective during the recent wave of anti-regime protests, allowing authorities to maintain their grip on power. However, it remains to be seen whether this move will succeed in establishing a new permanent online reality for Iran or if it will ultimately prove counterproductive for the regime.
It's like, what even is the point of having a country if you can't connect with the world? I mean, I get that governments want to control online activity, but come on, doesn't that just stifle free speech and creativity? 
And what about all those people who rely on online jobs or remote work? They're gonna be totally lost! 
Plus, isn't it weird that they're turning to China for tech? Like, doesn't that raise some red flags? 
Anyway, I hope someone can talk some sense into the Iranian government and help them see things from a different perspective.
this is so worrying!!! 
how can they just cut off the internet like that?! 
Iranians are gonna be stuck in the dark ages without access to the world wide web 
and it's all because of their gov filtering system 
expert warn about unintended consequences 
like economy & culture suffers 
what if they can't even monitor online activity properly?! 
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. As digital rights activists have warned, attempting to create a permanent break from the global internet could lead to unintended consequences, such as stifling innovation and creativity 
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? This move seems super sinister and controlling to me... I mean, who gets to decide who's 'vetted' enough to be online? Sounds like a recipe for disaster 
. The restriction of access to international websites and platforms will undoubtedly limit Iranians' exposure to diverse perspectives, hindering their ability to learn from the world beyond their borders 
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. The government's actions have already been met with criticism for suppressing dissenting voices and undermining democracy 
. I'm worried that this move will further entrench the regime's authoritarian grip on power, rather than promoting a more open and inclusive online environment 
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. The long-term effects on Iran's economy, culture, and human rights landscape are uncertain at best 
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How can they expect us to trust them when they're just gonna block all the pro-democracy protests and human rights activists online? 
I don't know what kind of "permanent break" they think this is gonna be, but it's just gonna backfire and make things worse for them. 
This whole 'vetted individuals only' thing is kinda creepy, you know? What's next, a government-approved emoji system or something 
And honestly, I think they're just trying to control the narrative and silence dissenting voices. Like, can't people just express themselves online without being judged or censored? 
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