Iran’s digital divide deepens with costly multi-level internet access system
Military on the streets of Iran (Photo: Getty Images)
Iran has implemented a strict caste system for internet access after 82 days of a complete digital blockade. While officials use the network without restrictions, ordinary citizens are forced to buy access via VPNs at astronomical prices, reports Euronews.
To prevent protests, Iranian authorities have created a multi-tiered structure that effectively divides society. At the top of the pyramid is the so-called white internet — a privilege for the elite.
Senior officials use the network without any filters. This access has been expanded over the years to loyal journalists. A journalist named Reza from Tehran confessed to Euronews that he has had such a privilege since 2018. He didn't even notice the complete network shutdown during protests in past years.
Former editor Mansour Beytaf refused such an offer. He considers it discrimination.
"Free access to the internet is a public right. You cannot give that privilege to some and deny it to others. It is blatant discrimination," he said.
On the second level — paid network access for select professions. The Internet Pro system opens only about 10 international platforms. It has been allowed for companies, lawyers, and doctors. But even here, restrictions apply.
The third level — for specialists. University professors see only scientific databases. Doctors are left mostly with WhatsApp. The operation of Instagram and YouTube remains extremely unstable even for professional users.
"Golden" VPN in Iran
Internet Pro users pay approximately 0.20 euros per gigabyte. Ordinary Iranians spend 12 times more on commercial VPN services.
A café owner, in a comment to Euronews, admitted that he spends 75 euros per month on connectivity. This is a huge amount for a local business. At the same time, the businessman receives only 1 gigabyte of traffic per day. Previously, he had unlimited access for work.
"In which country does using the internet cost this much? Just because there's a war on, should the Iranian people be deprived of the internet?" he asks.
How the lack of internet is destroying business in Iran
In the first 50 days, Iran's digital industry lost about 1 billion dollars. Every day, the country loses up to 35 million dollars.
Businesses are closing en masse. The hardest hit are traders on Instagram and Telegram. These are mostly small entrepreneurs who are not entitled to Internet Pro. The e-commerce giant Digikala has already begun laying off staff due to falling revenues.
What is the current situation around Iran
Trump assured that negotiations with Iran are in the final stages. However, the US leader once again reminded of possible military action in the absence of a deal.
Iran, for its part, threatened that if the US attacks again, the war will spread beyond the Middle East. Iran has previously threatened strikes on Middle Eastern countries where US military bases are located.
Iran has also presented a list of demands as part of a possible peaceful settlement with the US. This list covers a wide range of issues — from lifting sanctions restrictions to withdrawing US military forces from the region.
