NCRI – Internet café users must now enter their ‘National Identity Code’ to get online in the latest draconian new measures controlling web use in Iran.
The log-in page of all net café computers now displays a message stating: “Upon the orders of the cyberpolice, you must enter your National Identity Code to use the internet.”
Without the code and a password, access to the Internet is blocked, the message states.
The clampdown is being enforced by the State Security Forces, but has still not been approved in legislation.
One Internet café owner said: “A few days ago, they came from the State Security Forces’ Public Places Administration Department and said that if the new system is not installed, your net café will be closed down. Until then, the names and identities of all those using the internet must be registered in a notebook.”
Café owners have also said the SSF Public Places Administration Department will also close down any café using VPN or filter by-passing software.
Another café owner added: “They say this rule was drafted last year, but we have seen no proof of it. This is probably due to the forthcoming elections.”
