Iran imposes stricter cyberspace controls after protests

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for stricter controls over the country's cyberspace during a meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian's new cabinet. This comes despite Pezeshkian's campaign promises to ease internet restrictions. The Iranian government has a history of tightly regulating internet access, particularly following significant protests in 2019 and 2022, which were sparked by issues such as fuel prices and the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. Popular social media platforms, including Facebook and X, have faced restrictions, and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram have been blocked unless they establish a legal presence in Iran. Khamenei emphasized the need for a legal framework to govern the internet, stating that if no law exists, one should be created. His comments reflect a broader trend of increasing censorship and control over digital communication in Iran. The Iranian government has previously enforced harsher internet curbs in response to civil unrest, leading many citizens to rely on virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass these restrictions. The Supreme Leader's remarks also referenced the recent arrest of Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, in France, highlighting the global implications of internet governance. Khamenei's statement underscores the Iranian regime's commitment to maintaining control over cyberspace, viewing any violation of governance as unacceptable. As the government moves forward with these measures, it raises concerns about the future of free expression and access to information in Iran, particularly as citizens continue to seek ways to communicate and organize despite the restrictions.