Iran to Cut Off Global Internet, Shift to ‘National Internet’ with Chinese Assistance

Iran is reportedly planning to disconnect from the global internet and establish a separate “National Internet”, leaving ordinary citizens largely cut off from the rest of the world. Only government-approved individuals will have access to a filtered version of the global internet, while the general public will be restricted to domestic websites and apps.

Plans for Permanent Internet Restrictions
According to the organization Filterwatch, Iran’s government is working on a secret plan that would treat global internet access as a government privilege. Only those granted approval would be able to access a controlled, filtered version of the global internet. The rest of the population would be confined to a national network, completely isolated from international digital platforms.

This move comes amid ongoing civil unrest and protests in Iran, where an internet shutdown has already been in effect for the past 12 days. Experts and international observers have expressed concern that such restrictions severely curtail freedom of expression and access to information.

Who Will Be Connected?
People granted government permission will use a whitelisted, filtered internet, meaning access will be partial and monitored. Ordinary citizens will rely solely on the national internet, which will operate entirely within the country, hosting government websites and official applications only.

Duration of the Shutdown
Officials have indicated that the global internet may remain offline at least until 20 March 2026. If access is not restored after that, it could mark the beginning of a permanent disconnection for the general public.

Role of Chinese Technology
Reports suggest that Iran may adopt whitelisting technology and deploy high-capacity middleboxes—devices capable of managing network traffic, blocking websites, and restricting VPNs. Researchers believe these technologies may have been exported from China. The new national internet will enable the government to control connectivity entirely within Iranian borders.

Impact on Society and Economy
Former U.S. officials have described the move as alarming, warning of severe cultural and economic consequences. However, Iranian authorities appear confident that internet restrictions help them maintain control over the situation and manage civil unrest more effectively.

With these measures, Iran could become increasingly isolated digitally, cutting off its citizens from the global internet while consolidating government oversight over online activity.