Iran bans use of Gmail; Can Venezuela be far behind?

The Islamic Republic of Iran's Ministry of I.C.T. has blocked anyone inside Iran from using Google mail.  Suspending access to Google email appears to be aimed at recent demonstrations against the government. Twitter maybe next. But can the government really stop the use of Google mail and other applications? There are methods around it and most will succeed. There are also other access services that can be used to stay connected to Google. It maybe a matter of time before an organization simply makes a duplicate email system like Google's and is web-based elsewhere.

The Wall Street Journal states:

An Iranian official said the measure was meant to boost local development of Internet technology and to build trust between people and the government.

The measure was announced on the eve of the culmination of celebrations to mark the 31st anniversary of the Islamic Republic. Competing plans for pro-government and antigovernment demonstrations have set the stage for clashes between authorities and opposition protesters, who have taken to the streets repeatedly since contested presidential elections in June.

Venezuelan citizens face the same policies in the near future as President Chavez continues to crack down on the protests, announcing that anyone using Twitter was guilty of an act of terrorism against the government.

As they attempt to rein in the student activists, control how the Internet can be used against their leaders and threaten further escalation, and embargo all Internet access, the more widespread such rebellions are likely to occur, particularly with the younger generation.