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.
Oct 2, 2013, 5:49 AM UTCNathan Olivarez-Giles
Iran's president tweets with Jack Dorsey, hints at reversing Twitter ban
Sep 17, 2013, 10:47 AM UTCAmar Toor
Iran blames technical glitch for Facebook and Twitter access
Social media ban remains in place, but some see reason for optimism
Jul 8, 2013, 9:07 PM UTCJacob Kastrenakes
Iran will provide state-run email addresses to all citizens
May 31, 2013, 12:38 AM UTCJeff Blagdon
US removes sanctions on computer exports to Iran ahead of next month's elections
Apr 24, 2013, 1:30 PM UTCRussell Brandom
World Wide [Redacted]: inside Iran's private internet
Can Iran censor its way to a state-controlled web?
Mar 10, 2013, 8:15 PM UTCChris Welch
Iran looks to eliminate 'illegal' VPNs that help citizens evade internet filters
Jan 6, 2013, 5:09 PM UTCT.C. Sottek
Iran reportedly creating software to allow controlled access to social networks
Mar 20, 2012, 2:34 PM UTCT.C. Sottek
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."
