The legal landscape regarding internet access in Iran is highly restrictive and controlled by the state. While accessing the internet itself is not illegal, the government strictly regulates how citizens connect to global content. In February 2024, the Supreme Council for Cyberspace (SCC) officially prohibited the use of any unlicensed Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). This regulation marks a significant escalation from previous measures that primarily targeted the sale and commercial distribution of these circumvention tools (1).
Authorities have now criminalized both the sale and the individual use of unauthorized circumvention software. The regime actively aims to push citizens toward using domestic platforms where monitoring user activity is significantly easier. Penalties for non-compliance with these digital laws can be severe, reflecting a broader crackdown on internet freedom. The government has tasked specific regulatory bodies with enforcing these bans, effectively making the unauthorized use of such software a punishable offense under current laws (2).
"A bill that was introduced in 2021 is designed to give the armed forces and security services near total control of the internet, to criminalise the use and distribution of VPNs, further restrict access to global providers, and requires people to register with an ID to access the internet."
Despite these strict prohibitions, many citizens continue to seek ways to bypass the extensive censorship apparatus. The state's strategy involves creating a tiered internet system, granting unrestricted access only to specific privileged groups while the general public faces a digital blockade. This forces the majority of the population to navigate a complex and dangerous legal minefield just to access basic international information and communication channels, highlighting the ongoing struggle for digital rights in the region (1).
Source:
https://freedomhouse.org/country/iran/freedom-net/2024
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/iran-country-policy-and-information-notes/country-policy-and-information-note-social-media-surveillance-and-sur-place-activities-iran-april-2025-accessible
Last updated: 11-01-2026 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
