The Iranian government has started filtering Google searches and Gmail in order to increase its own security.
The Iranian government announced its intention to screen Google communications on Sunday and has already made good on its promise, according to reports, like this one from Reuters.
"Google and Gmail will be filtered throughout the country until further notice," said an official known only as Khoramabadi.
Since then there have been suggestions that the ban relates to the controversial "Innocence of Muslims" film that has been gathering views on YouTube. Both Pakistan and Bangladesh have banned YouTube for not removing the firm already.
We've asked Google to confirm whether it is being filtered or blocked in Iran, but so far it has not replied.
Iran has a rather controlling attitude to the Internet and has already banned access to other online properties, including a rather hopeful sounding virtual U.S. embassy.
Perhaps because of this, Iran is said to be working toward launching its own alternative network. This could launch next year and would see the country launch its own local intranet.
This article was originally published on the Inquirer.
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