Iran is moving towards a policy of 'absolute digital isolation,' planning to permanently disconnect most of its population from the global internet, according to reports by Filterwatch and coverage by the Guardian. Under this strategy, only a select group of vetted individuals would have filtered access to the wider internet, while the majority would be restricted to a domestically controlled network. This marks a significant shift from previous mass censorship tactics, with the latest internet shutdown in January described as a premeditated move rather than a reaction to unrest.

The national internet, developed over years, enables access only to regime-approved websites and applications, further tightening control over information and communication. Experts warn that such a drastic measure could have profound economic and cultural consequences for Iran, potentially isolating the country even further from the rest of the world.