In Censorship Move, Iran Plans Its Own Internet

An anonymous reader writes "Iran is taking steps toward an aggressive new form of censorship: a so-called national Internet that could, in effect, disconnect Iranian cyberspace from the rest of the world (summary of paywalled WSJ report). The leadership in Iran sees the project as a way to end the fight for control of the Internet, according to observers of Iranian policy inside and outside the country. Iran, already among the most sophisticated nations in online censoring, also promotes its national Internet as a cost-saving measure for consumers and as a way to uphold Islamic moral codes." The article also mentions unconfirmed local press reports suggesting that Iran is building its own national operating system.

If they want to cut of their population

[dk90406]

from the rest of the world, no one can stop them. But the rest of the world should, as a consequence, stop routing ANY traffic to Iran or Iranian controlled entities. That would also isolate the Iranian government and business. As a concequence:

• Any international business can only be done over phone and Fax
• Any international advertising for Iranian businesses can only be in papers
• Any international communications must be mail, phone or fax. Including communication to embassies
• It would affect international travel booking
• ... (you get the picture)

The country and regime couldn't survive that. But if they want to: Good luck in your little bubble Iran.