Iran plans to create a closed intranet with restricted access amid protests that have killed nearly 3,000 people.
Thousands Killed in Iranian Protests
Over 3,000 people have died nationwide in Iran. Humanitarian organizations estimate that in demonstrations ongoing since December 28, security forces have killed nearly 2,900 protesters. Dozens of people died in prisons after being detained during demonstrations.
Meanwhile, groups monitoring network activity report a slight increase in activity in Iran’s internet. Its level reaches about 2 percent of normal activity. However, Iranian digital rights activists from Filterwatch claim that the Islamic Republic is planning a new strategy – “Absolute Digital Isolation”.
Will Iran Completely Shut Down Internet?
According to the organization’s report, the regime’s confidential project involves creating a closed intranet to which only selected individuals, who authorities will place on a “white list”, will have access. “State media and government spokespersons have already signaled that this is a permanent change,” the report states.
Iranians who do not receive security clearance would only have access to the national internet, isolated from the rest of the world. It has been developed by Iran since 2009.
Internet Shutdown Extended
Internet in Iran was shut down on January 8. According to “The Guardian”, a government spokesperson reportedly informed Iranian media that international internet will remain shut down at least until the Nouruz holiday, until March 20.
Protests Subside in Iran
According to eyewitness accounts in Tehran and other cities, protests have currently subsided. Drones are flying over Iran’s capital, and the city is patrolled by security forces. Protests in Iran erupted on December 28 due to economic difficulties. They quickly turned into mass anti-government demonstrations, which were violently suppressed by police last week.
EASA Warns Airlines Against Iranian Airspace
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) warns airlines against using Iranian airspace. The statement emphasized that the presence of air defense systems and the tense political-military situation increase the possibility of misidentifying aircraft in the air.
The warning is related to ongoing protests in Iran and emerging media reports about possible US military intervention.
