Iran Planning To Close Down Their Open Internet

Iran’s telecommunications chief has stated that, in two years, the Iranian people will have use a state-controlled internet as a way to enforce Islamic values and combat Western influence. Right. Because turning off the internet worked in the region before.

The Iranian government plans to roll out their net solution slowly, presumably to build a base of fanboys?

The country first plans to roll out its new network in parallel with the existing, open network, but expects to eventually make a full switch. The 11% of citizens who have Internet access will be forced to use a non-Microsoft operating system and a Google alternative called “Ya Hagh” (Oh, Justice).

I don’t see this working. Early adopters are one thing, but at least try to make it sound attractive to your protesting people. [newser, Photo via AP]