As widespread internet disruptions and blackouts continue across Iran, reports indicate the formation of a new body called the Headquarters for the Organization and Guidance of Cyberspace. This development comes as internet shutdowns and restrictions have entered their 83rd day, with millions of citizens still facing severe limitations in accessing the global internet.
📢 Metrics show the internet blackout in #Iran has now entered its 83rd day with international networks largely barred for over 1968 hours. A free and open internet is central to the protection of life, liberty and public accountability. pic.twitter.com/XZoRnRiXoF
— NetBlocks (@netblocks) May 21, 2026
On Tuesday, May 19, the state-run Shargh newspaper revealed the formation of this new headquarters in a report. According to the report, government officials and cabinet members have been prohibited from speaking to the media about the details of this structure. This official silence has increased uncertainty regarding the objectives and powers of the new body.
Reports indicate that the headquarters includes a broad combination of regime, security, and military institutions. Members include the attorney general, members of the Majlis (parliament), the ministries of communications, intelligence, culture and Islamic guidance, and science, the presidential vice presidency for science and technology, secretaries of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace and the Supreme National Security Council, the IRGC Intelligence Organization, and several representatives from the private sector.
Internet Blackout and Expansion of Parallel Security Structures
The formation of this headquarters comes despite the fact that various institutions have been responsible for internet and cyberspace policymaking in recent years. The creation of another structure has once again raised concerns about overlapping authorities and the lack of transparency in internet governance.
Some domestic media outlets have written that the timing of the formation of this headquarters alongside the continuing internet disruptions and shutdowns has intensified concerns about the growing role of security institutions in controlling online space. Technology activists have also warned about the further concentration of power in internet management.
In recent weeks, users in various cities have reported constant internet outages, severe speed reductions, and disruptions in access to social media platforms and messaging applications. Many online businesses have also spoken of heavy losses caused by the situation.
Meanwhile, internet monitoring organization NetBlocks announced that the internet blackout in Iran has entered its 83rd day after 1,968 hours. The organization emphasized that public access to the global internet remains at its lowest level.
Tiered Internet and Increasing Restrictions
At the same time as the widespread restrictions and internet blackout, reports have emerged about special internet access being granted to certain institutions and select individuals. According to these reports, tiered internet access has been established for some companies, organizations, and figures close to the regime, an issue that has sparked widespread reactions among social media users.
Critics say the Iranian regime has restricted public internet access while providing stable and unrestricted access routes for select sectors. This situation has created a new divide between ordinary citizens and regime institutions.
In recent months, alongside widespread protests and an increasingly securitized atmosphere, pressure on media activists and social media users has also intensified. Reports indicate that dozens of citizens in various cities have been arrested due to online activity, use of anti-filtering tools, or publishing content on social media platforms.
Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that internet shutdowns in Iran are not merely technical measures, but tools for controlling protests, restricting the free flow of information, and intensifying media repression.
While officials of the Iranian regime have not yet provided a clear explanation about the duties of this headquarters, many observers view the move as part of the broader policy of the mullahs’ regime to establish full control over the internet and further restrict online space, a policy that has expanded significantly in recent years alongside popular protests.
