Iran Enters Third Week of Internet Shutdown, Shifts to Permanent Digital Censorship
TEHRAN, Iran — As Iran marks the 22nd day of a near-total internet blackout, digital rights monitors warn that the country is transitioning from a temporary shutdown to a permanent system of digital repression. According to the internet monitoring group NetBlocks, limited and unstable connectivity has returned in some areas, but only under a heavily censored framework the group describes as “filternet plus.” This new system whitelists a narrow range of business services while continuing to block access to most social media platforms, news outlets, and independent communication channels.
NetBlocks CEO Alp Toker explained to Fox News Digital that the Iranian government views unrestricted internet access as an “existential threat,” prompting a rapid shift toward a darker, more controlled digital environment. “The key difference from the pre-protest filternet arrangement is that, while internet platforms were extensively censored before, the regime is now implementing a more sophisticated and permanent censorship infrastructure,” Toker said.
The blackout began amid widespread protests across Iran, which have been met with a harsh crackdown by the regime. The government’s strategy to sever digital communication has severely limited the ability of citizens to organize, share information, or access independent news sources. The U.S. Department of State has condemned the shutdown as part of a broader campaign of repression against protesters and dissenting voices.
Experts warn that the move to a “filternet plus” system is designed to entrench state control over the internet permanently, effectively creating a digital fortress that isolates Iranian citizens from the global web. This approach allows only government-approved services and business platforms to function, while social media networks and foreign news sites remain blocked.
Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have highlighted the severe impact of the blackout on freedom of expression and access to information. The blackout has also disrupted economic activities, with many businesses reliant on internet connectivity facing significant challenges.
Internationally, the blackout has drawn widespread condemnation. The United Nations has called on the Iranian government to restore full internet access, emphasizing the fundamental right to freedom of expression and the importance of digital connectivity in modern society.
Despite limited connectivity returning in some regions, the overall environment remains one of intense digital suppression. The regime’s move toward a permanent censorship system signals a troubling escalation in Iran’s efforts to control information and silence dissent amid ongoing unrest.
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