President Masoud Pezeshkian’s minister of telecommunications, Sattar Hashemi, is currently under fire for his vague response regarding the removal of state restrictions on internet and social media access. In a recent interview with the Parliament’s news agency, Hashemi failed to provide a definitive answer when asked about the possibility of ending internet filtering in the country.
Hashemi stated, „This is not a question to be answered with a yes or no. Some lawful management of this issue should occur. But naturally, people have needs in this regard, and it must be managed in an intelligent way.“ This response has sparked criticism from the public, with many interpreting it as a sign that no policy change regarding internet filtering is on the horizon.
Critics argue that Hashemi’s remarks indicate a lack of commitment to addressing the issue of internet censorship in Iran. The viral spread of a thirty-second video clip from the interview has further fueled public outrage, with many expressing frustration and disappointment over the minister’s ambiguous stance on the matter.
The public’s discontent is exacerbated by the fact that President Pezeshkian had promised to address internet filtering during his election campaign. However, since taking office, no concrete steps have been taken to fulfill this promise, leaving many Iranians feeling let down and disillusioned.
For the past two decades, the Iranian government has imposed strict censorship on internet content, blocking access to thousands of websites and foreign social media platforms. This has forced citizens to resort to using circumvention tools like VPNs to access restricted content, adding an extra financial burden for many.
Ghader Bastani, a professor of social communication sciences, highlighted the negative impact of internet filtering on the relationship between the state and its citizens. He emphasized the urgent need to resolve this issue, noting that it has eroded national solidarity and hindered freedom of expression.
Bastani also raised concerns about the influence of certain home-grown social media companies that may be lobbying to maintain internet filtering to protect their profits. These companies, which have received significant government funding, could stand to lose if free access to foreign platforms like YouTube is allowed.
Despite some defending Hashemi and urging patience, the general sentiment among Iranians is one of frustration and impatience. The ongoing debate surrounding internet censorship reflects a larger struggle for freedom of expression and access to information in Iran.
As the public continues to demand transparency and accountability from the government, the issue of internet filtering remains a contentious and unresolved issue that highlights the complex dynamics between the state, technology, and the rights of citizens.