Iranian Vice‑President Mohammad Reza Aref told clerics in Qom that broad internet blackouts — including those used during the recent conflict involving the United States and Israel — have failed as policy. He warned that VPNs have eroded authorities' control and likened full shutdowns to closing a motorway for one offending vehicle. Aref offered no concrete replacement; the shutdowns have drawn internal criticism and cost thousands of digital‑economy jobs.
Iran Vice‑President Says Nationwide Internet Blackouts Have Failed — Urges Targeted Measures
FILE PHOTO - Network cables plugged into a router. (is associated with: «Iranian vice president criticizes internet shutdowns») Sina Schuldt/dpa
Iranian Vice‑President Mohammad Reza Aref told clerics in Qom that sweeping nationwide internet shutdowns — including those imposed during the conflict involving the United States and Israel that began at the end of February — have proven an ineffective strategy, state news agency IRNA reported.
"The approach of banning technology does not work," Aref said, arguing that virtual private networks (VPNs) have undermined authorities' ability to control the digital sphere.
Why He Criticised Blackouts
Aref compared a full internet cutoff to closing an entire motorway because one vehicle broke the law: rather than severing connectivity for millions, authorities should target the specific offenders. He did not, however, present a clear alternative to nationwide disconnections or selective app blocking.
Wider Consequences
Iran enforces strict online censorship: many foreign websites and apps are blocked across the country of about 86.5 million people. During recent crises — the conflict that began in late February and earlier mass protests — Iranians were at times completely disconnected from the global internet for weeks, with only domestic sites remaining reachable.
Those prolonged shutdowns drew criticism from within Iran’s government and inflicted heavy damage on the digital economy, costing thousands of people their jobs. At the same time, a small, privileged group can access the internet without usual restrictions using so‑called "white SIM cards."
Looking Ahead
Aref's remarks are a notable public critique from inside the government, but it remains unclear whether Tehran will adopt targeted technical, legal or regulatory measures in place of blanket blackouts. The debate highlights tensions between state control, citizens' connectivity and the economic costs of cutting international access.
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