Iran's Kish Free Zone Organisation is negotiating to launch high-speed, unfiltered internet access on the island in a "controlled manner", its CEO said on September 13, in a move that could transform the island into a technology hub, Didbaniran reported.

Rahim Sarhangi, CEO of Kish Free Zone Organisation, told local media, "Negotiations have begun to launch high-speed internet without filters in a controlled manner in Kish, and we hope to reach a result in the near future."

The initiative aims to attract technology sector players to the island, which Sarhangi describes as "a unique opportunity for technological development in Iran," following a decline in tourism trade from mainland Iran due to economic constraints on the economy. The comments by the CEO are also part of a new push by the Iranian state to release the shackles on social media, with another lawmaker suggesting social media sites could be opened to the public.

"Free high-speed internet, along with tax exemptions and the capabilities of offshore international banks, can play a significant role in transforming this island into the country's technology hub," Sarhangi said.

Kish, an island in the Persian Gulf, operates under special free zone regulations, allowing more flexibility in governance and economic policies.

"Kish Island has a unified governance structure under free zone administration laws, which can be leveraged for national development," Sarhangi added.

The move comes as Iran grapples with strict internet censorship policies on the mainland. If implemented, this controlled unfiltered internet access could make Kish an attractive destination for tech companies and startups.

Sarhangi noted the organisation's support for the tech sector, stating, "We fully support major technology players coming to Kish."

He also noted that "technology development should lead to added value and play a role in improving the economic balance."

The Kish Free Zone Organisation, acting as the government's representative in the region, positions itself as "a customer for new technologies," according to Sarhangi.

The Kish initiative could face challenges from hardliners who advocate for stricter internet controls across Iran.