June 28, 2025

Larijani Calls for Global Internet Disconnection: ‘Internet Play is Over!’

In a significant development regarding internet restrictions in Iran, Mohammad Javad Larijani, head of the Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences and a senior international affairs analyst, has called for an unprecedented measure in a memo published by Fars News Agency: completely disconnecting Iran’s internet connection from the global network for a period of several months. This proposal, put forth in a section titled “Internet Play is Over!” (اینترنت بازی موقوف!), has quickly become a hot topic in media and public discourse. This marks the first time such a radical approach, expressed with such clarity and by a prominent political and academic figure, has been presented as a formal security strategy.

Mohammad Javad Larijani’s proposal for a multi-month disconnection from the global internet is aimed at what he calls “eradicating infiltration elements in cyberspace.” In his memo, he emphasized that slogans such as “free access to information” or “interaction with social media environments” should be secondary priorities, and the main priority is purifying cyberspace from unwanted factors. This viewpoint indicates a shift in perspective when confronting security and cultural challenges in cyberspace, prioritizing security and control over free access and interaction.

Why ‘Internet Play is Over!’? The Roots of a Radical Proposal

The title “Internet Play is Over!” chosen by Larijani for a section of his memo, clearly reflects his view that the current state of global internet access, which he believes has become a platform for “play” and destructive activities, must end. This harsh and explicit language reflects deep concern over the current state of cyberspace and its effects on society and national security. Larijani believes that to effectively counter what he calls the enemy’s infiltration and plots in this space, decisive and fundamental action, including cutting global connection, is required.

This proposal comes at a time when the discussion around controlling and managing cyberspace has been ongoing in Iran for years, and projects like the National Information Network (NIN) have been pursued with specific objectives. However, officials have consistently emphasized that the NIN does not mean disconnecting from the world; rather, it serves as a platform for domestic services, increasing speed and reducing costs of internal access, while also strengthening infrastructure against external threats. Larijani’s proposal, however, goes beyond this definition and effectively outlines a period of complete digital isolation for Iran.

Potential Consequences of a Multi-Month Global Internet Disconnection

Implementing Mohammad Javad Larijani’s proposal, if realized, would have extensive and profound consequences across various dimensions, extending beyond limiting access for ordinary users. Technically, this action would mean completely separating the country’s communication infrastructure from the global internet backbone. Such isolation could disrupt updates, access to international cloud services, and even the functioning of some internal infrastructures dependent on external connectivity.

Economically, the consequences would be far more severe. Many startups and traditional businesses, banking and financial activities, international trade communications, online education, and even many individual professions operating on the global internet would face serious challenges or complete halts. E-commerce, online marketplaces, freelancers, software and service companies, and even manufacturing sectors reliant on international communications would all be affected. This sudden isolation could lead to a sharp decline in economic activities and an increase in unemployment.

Socially and culturally, a multi-month internet cut would severely restrict citizens’ access to information, international news, social communication platforms, global educational content, and entertainment. This could lead to increased public dissatisfaction, a reduced level of public awareness regarding global developments, and difficulties in individual and group communications. The experience of temporary internet restrictions in the past has shown the destructive impacts these measures have on people’s morale and daily lives.

National Information Network vs. Global Isolation

As mentioned, the development of the National Information Network has been discussed for years as a solution to strengthen the country’s communication infrastructure. The main goal of this network is to create a stable and high-speed domestic platform for hosting local services and content, reducing dependence on foreign infrastructures, and increasing resilience against cyber attacks. Officials have always emphasized that this network is not intended to completely replace the global internet but will complement it, ensuring that domestic communications are not disrupted during emergencies and basic services remain accessible.

Mohammad Javad Larijani’s proposal, however, differs fundamentally from this definition. He explicitly speaks of completely cutting off connection to the world for a specified period, which is a completely different approach from developing the National Information Network as a platform for resilience. This difference in perspective has created a serious debate among experts and officials. While some emphasize the necessity of greater control, many technical and economic analysts warn about the consequences of digital isolation and believe that the development of the National Information Network should go hand in hand with maintaining connection to the world and leveraging up-to-date knowledge and technology.

The experience of other countries also shows that the development of domestic communication infrastructure is usually aimed at strengthening local capabilities and increasing security, but completely disconnecting from the global internet network during peacetime is a very rare measure with severe negative consequences, usually occurring only temporarily and regionally during wartime or very severe security crises. Larijani’s proposal in normal circumstances is considered very radical.

‘Internet Play is Over!’: Analyzing Priorities from Larijani’s Perspective

The key point in Larijani’s proposal is the setting of priorities. He explicitly states that eradicating infiltration elements is the main priority, and issues like free access to information or social interaction in cyberspace are secondary priorities. This prioritization demonstrates a security-centric approach to cyberspace where control and surveillance take precedence over freedom of access and information flow. This viewpoint is in stark contrast to the global concept of the internet as a free platform for the exchange of information, knowledge, and culture.

This proposal is put forward while a significant portion of the country’s economic, social, cultural, and even scientific activities depends on the global internet. Universities, research institutes, knowledge-based companies, artists, journalists, and millions of ordinary users need the global internet for their daily affairs, businesses, education, and entertainment. A multi-month internet cut would not only disrupt these activities but could also lead to the emigration of elites and human and financial capital from the country.

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

Mohammad Javad Larijani’s proposal to cut off the global internet for several months under the title “Internet Play is Over!” is a serious warning signal for the future of communications and the digital economy in Iran. Although this proposal has been presented merely as a personal memo, it cannot be ignored given that it comes from an influential figure. This proposal once again highlights the necessity of a transparent and expert debate regarding how cyberspace is managed, the balance between security and freedom, and the future of the country’s communications.

Experts and civil society must raise awareness about the potentially disastrous consequences of a complete internet cut and prevent decisions that would lead to Iran’s digital isolation and inflict irreversible economic and social damages. The future of the country’s digital economy and communications depends on the decisions made today, and maintaining a logical and managed connection with the global internet network, alongside developing domestic infrastructures, seems to be a more logical and constructive approach.

Larijani Calls for Global Internet Disconnection: ‘Internet Play is Over!’