Negative Interventions and Filtering Measures in the Exercise of Sovereignty over Cyberspace within the Framework of Iranian Law
Keywords:
Internet of Things, Data Sovereignty, cyberspace, internet governance, state secrets, internet challengesAbstract
Across the globe, discourse surrounding the internet consistently centers around a fundamental tension between two competing principles: the right to freedom of expression and free networking on the one hand, and the sovereign right of states to control public order and safeguard national interests on the other. This study, conducted using a descriptive-analytical method and library-based sources, investigates state-imposed restrictive interventions, with a particular focus on the current challenges facing the Islamic Republic of Iran. It was observed that the central issue in Iran's cyberspace—mirroring that of many other countries—is the conflict between internet sovereignty and network power (in a general sense) versus national sovereignty and authority. The findings of the study indicate that the state’s negative intervention through filtering tools has proven ineffective. Therefore, there is a critical need to redesign the relationship between the state’s sovereignty and citizens’ rights to access cyberspace. Redefining this relationship entails a dual approach encompassing both “governance with cyberspace” and “governance over cyberspace,” wherein a proper balance must be established between national sovereignty and internet sovereignty (arising from networked power). Accordingly, the redefinition of these relations should, in terms of purpose, aim to guarantee national independence and preserve the country’s sovereign integrity, and, structurally and operationally, be realized through the development and expansion of the National Information Network (NIN). The principal component in formulating a desirable policy framework for cyberspace governance in the Islamic Republic lies in preserving sovereignty through a redesigned relationship between the state and cyberspace, while simultaneously protecting the internet rights of citizens. This redesign, which serves as the cornerstone of the Islamic Republic’s cyberspace policy theory, must also be supported by additional elements, including appropriate tools and governance processes.
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