Iran Tightens Grip on Internet, Pushing Users Towards Local Platforms

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Iran’s Supreme Council of Cyberspace (SCC) has issued a new directive aimed at further restricting internet access and steering users towards local platforms. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

VPN Ban:

  • Using VPNs, previously illegal to buy or sell, is now entirely banned, even for non-commercial use. However, this may only apply to government entities, not the general public.

Incentivizing Local Platforms:

  • The government plans to incentivize content creators and businesses on foreign platforms to move to local alternatives.
  • The goal is to bring half of their target audience to local platforms within six months, although the method remains unclear.

Restrictions on Advertising and Government Services:

  • Advertising on foreign platforms is illegal for all legal entities.
  • The government will offer essential services exclusively on local platforms, with two initial offerings within six months.

Access to “Useful” Foreign Services:

  • The government will explore ways to offer access to “useful” foreign services in “governable formats,” possibly through negotiations or local platform “shells.”
  • However, past experiences with such shells raise privacy concerns as they expose user data.

Overall Impact:

  • These measures aim to further constrain internet access in Iran, limit reliance on foreign platforms, and promote local alternatives.
  • The success of these initiatives remains uncertain, and potential privacy risks associated with local “shells” raise concerns.

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