Iran launching government-run internet network next year, says Reuters

The Iranian government has announced plans to launch its own domestic internet network, according to a report from Reuters. A government deputy minister reportedly made the announcement on Sunday, while also revealing on state television that, prior to the new network’s launch, both Google’s search engine and Gmail would be filtered “until further notice.” The report says that the move may be in response to the trailer for the controversial film Innocence of Muslims, which set off a wave of protests after appearing on YouTube.

Government officials say that the new network will allow for improved cyber security, and the report claims that it will operate “largely isolated” from the rest of the internet — though it should be noted the country already has strict restrictions in place on internet use, as earlier this year it was revealed that the government was actively blocking Google’s encrypted web services. The network will reportedly be implemented by March 2013.