We've heard rumblings of a state-run, restricted Iranian internet for some time, but plans appear to be materializing of late. The nation has attempted to limit outbound traffic and VPNs that can help citizens evade filters. That's not all: the government is working on state-controlled email addresses for Iranians, and it has already launched an alternative to YouTube free of the so-called "inappropriate" content on the Google-owned service. A fully private Iranian internet would go against the very idea of the web and cut off millions from the free exchange of ideas. We're following the story closely, and this is where you'll find the latest developments.
Iran blames technical glitch for Facebook and Twitter access
Social media ban remains in place, but some see reason for optimism
World Wide [Redacted]: inside Iran's private internet
Can Iran censor its way to a state-controlled web?
Obama administration challenges Iran on internet policy, provides guidance to subvert its 'electronic curtain'
Today the Obama administration released a blog post condemning Iran for denying its citizens "a universal right to access information, and to freely assemble online," and says that it is taking steps to make it easier "for Iranian citizens to get the software and services they need to connect with the rest of the world through modern communications methods."
