Letter from Technology and Digital Economy Activists to the President:Disconnecting from the Global Internet Threatens National Security and Cyber Sovereignty

Following the recent attack by the Zionist regime on Iranian territory, a group of IT professionals, entrepreneurs, and economic organizations have sent a letter to the President warning about the dangerous consequences of cutting off or restricting access to the global internet. They emphasized that such measures not only harm cyber security, the national economy, and cyberspace governance but also increase psychological insecurity, brain drain, and weaken the country’s public diplomacy.

According to the Tehran Electronic Commerce Association’s public relations office, the letter states:

His Excellency Dr. Pezeshkian
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Chairman of the Supreme National Security Council
Chairman of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace

Greetings and respect,

We, a collective of economic activists, entrepreneurs, and experts in information technology and cyberspace, in light of the recent brutal attack by the Zionist regime on our homeland, feel compelled to share important insights with you and other country officials regarding the future of cyberspace and its connection to national security, economic development, and social issues.

At a time when public awareness around technology and defense issues is more sensitive than ever, we observe that some viewpoints rely on restricting access to the global information network and depriving the people and businesses of these essential services—rather than strengthening domestic infrastructure and capabilities to confront emerging threats. From our perspective, this approach not only fails to effectively address the threats but may itself lead to more serious damage and irreparable crises.

Below are our main concerns:

1. Undermining National Governance
   In recent years, restrictions on domestic media activities have caused a mass exodus of journalists and media experts, ceding the country’s media landscape to foreign actors. Today, if broad disconnection or disruption of access to the global information network occurs, the same fate will befall national cyberspace governance. On one hand, we will face a large-scale brain drain in this industry; on the other, rapidly accessible new technologies will empower external providers—such as Starlink—to offer cheaper, more accessible services. Consequently, before the government can intervene, it risks losing control of this domain entirely.
2. Damage to the National Economy and Competitiveness
   The digital economy drives growth in many countries. Thousands of Iranian businesses rely on the internet and global services for production, trade, and creating new value. Without effective government presence in cyberspace, economic policymaking in this arena becomes meaningless. Similar to satellite TV networks, multinational corporations and global powers will replace domestic regulators online, controlling Iran’s market without paying taxes, insurance, or aligning with cultural and economic priorities. Without effective national policies, they will shape our domestic market.
3. Cybersecurity and Technological Superiority
   While many national industries lag behind international standards, Iranian businesses and experts in information and communications technology remain competitive globally. Widespread disconnection from the global network will quickly erode this national advantage. Strengthening cybersecurity requires continuous interaction with the global community, regular software updates, and connections with international alert centers. Severing these links will cause catastrophic disruptions to the timely security updates of critical national systems.
4. Completing Iran’s Economic and Social Siege
   Although sanctions appear to block goods and capital inflows, their most significant effect is gradually excluding Iran from global economic, scientific, and social cycles. Global businesses and nations see no benefit in Iran, making it easier for enemies to target the country. Cutting access to the global information network is the final ring of this comprehensive siege. This move will not only remove the Persian language from the international arena but will sever human connections between Iranians and the world, drastically weakening the country’s global public diplomacy.
5. Threat to Psychological and Social Security
   Excessive use of VPNs has led to many risks, such as foreign access to Iranians’ behavioral big data and increased cyberattacks originating inside Iran, becoming a factor in national security disruption. On the other hand, depriving people of access to news sources neither stops rumors nor reduces distrust. Instead, it intensifies public insecurity and psychological instability. Currently, the country needs to strengthen citizens’ trust and smartly counter psychological warfare. Access to information is fundamental to mental and social stability. In fact, building public trust and preventing rumor propagation require strengthening communication channels and increasing social confidence. The Iranian people have repeatedly proven themselves to be alert, civilized, and compassionate, and their cooperation is a key pillar for overcoming crises.

We, the undersigned, aware of the sensitive circumstances, firmly believe that the path to progress, security, and national sovereignty lies through active and intelligent engagement with the global technology community and support for domestic talents—not through isolation and disconnection. Various technical methods exist to enhance cybersecurity, but imposing broad network restrictions and disruptions cannot achieve this goal. Declaring a quasi-martial law status in cyberspace and severing all global communications should only be done by your direct order and as a last defensive measure.

We are ready to cooperate and brainstorm to strengthen national infrastructure, improve the country’s digital resilience, and better utilize technological opportunities. While emphasizing the need to revise national defense policies in information and communications technology, we remain committed to collaborating with all devoted countrymen.

Wishing you success and prosperity,

• Iran Computer and Video Games Foundation (or National IT Organization)
• National Union of Virtual Businesses
• IT and Communication Commission of Iran Chamber of Commerce
• Innovation, Transformation, and Productivity Commission of Tehran Chamber of Commerce
• Tehran Electronic Commerce Association