Iran expands limited internet access but restrictions remain for most

Iranian authorities are selling limited internet access to a select few, while the majority of citizens remain under a near-total digital blackout. | Contesto: cronaca

Punti chiave

• Iran expands limited internet access but restrictions remain for most

Contesto

The Iranian government has begun offering a limited, state-controlled internet service to a small segment of its population, framing it as a privilege for purchase. This move comes after months of a severe nationwide internet shutdown imposed during widespread anti-government protests. The new service provides access to a heavily filtered list of domestic websites and a handful of approved international platforms, but the vast majority of Iranians remain disconnected from the global internet, with access to popular social media apps, international news sites, and secure communication tools still completely blocked. The rollout of this paid service marks a significant shift in Tehran's strategy of digital control. Previously, authorities relied on intermittent throttling and blocking during times of unrest. The current model, however, institutionalizes a two-tier digital society: one with expensive, curated access for an elite few, and another with near-total isolation for the general public. Analysts describe this as an attempt to normalize the fragmentation of the internet while generating revenue from the very restrictions it imposes. This policy is a direct continuation of the crackdown that began in September 2022, following the death of Mahsa Amini in morality police custody. At that time, the government enacted one of the world's most drastic internet blackouts to stifle protest organization and prevent images of the state's response from reaching the outside world. The lasting damage to Iran's digital economy and the daily lives of its citizens has been profound, affecting everything from online banking and remote education to small businesses that rely on global platforms. The so-called 'privilege' internet is routed through the National Information Network (NIN), Iran's long-developed domestic intranet. The NIN is designed to be a walled garden, hosting government-approved services and content that aligns with state ideology. By selling access to a slightly expanded version of this network, authorities are attempting to create a perceived return to normalcy without restoring genuine open access. Critics argue this is a tactic to fracture public demand...

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Categoria: cronaca