High-ranking Iranian officials have called for equal and non-discriminatory internet access across the country, opposing the implementation of a "class-based" internet system.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that two senior officials have voiced their opposition to digital discrimination amid ongoing restrictions on the global network in Iran.
Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref stated that equal access must be ensured for all segments of society. "Class-based internet is inconsistent with the government's justice-oriented approach," he noted, adding that any restrictions on access only serve to widen the digital divide. Minister of Communications and Information Technology Sattar Hashemi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that neither "class-based internet" nor "white list-based access" models are part of the state's official policy.
Iran has historically maintained some of the world's most stringent internet regulations, frequently blocking major social media platforms and implementing localized network controls. The debate over "class-based internet"—a system that would provide different levels of web access to various social groups such as academics, journalists, or government officials—has been a significant point of contention. These recent statements suggest an internal policy debate regarding the potential easing of digital restrictions to foster broader technological integration and social equity.
