Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calls for stricter regulation of cyberspace
In a recent statement, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stressed the need for stronger regulation of cyberspace and stressed that the country’s strict internet restrictions are part of a global trend. The call for restrictions came in the wake of the arrest in France of Telegram founder Pavel Durov, which Khamenei used to underscore his own argument for the need for legal oversight in the digital environment.
Background to the call for regulation
Khamenei’s comments reflect Iran’s long-standing grip on the internet. The country imposes some of the world’s toughest internet restrictions and frequently blocks access to major U.S.-based social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Despite these restrictions, many Iranians use virtual private networks (VPNs) to get around them.
During his meeting with President Massoud Pezechkian and his cabinet, Khamenei drew attention to the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov, who was detained in Paris as part of an investigation into serious crimes including sexual abuse, drug trafficking and financial fraud. Khamenei noted that even in France, which has a relatively open internet policy, individuals can be held legally accountable, underpinning his call for regulation of cyberspace.
Key Points of Cyberspace Regulation
- Global precedentKhamenei noted that regulating cyberspace is a common practice worldwide, citing France’s legal action against Durov as an example of other countries enforcing their laws in the digital sphere.
- Iran’s Internet Restrictions: Iran has some of the strictest internet restrictions, with major social media platforms frequently blocked. Despite these measures, Iranian users often use VPNs to get around the blocks.
- Economic impactDuring the presidential debate, Pezechkian criticized the negative impact internet filtering has on the economy, particularly on small businesses that rely on social media for marketing and operations.
Recent Trends in Internet Control
Iran consistently ranks high in the number of internet shutdowns: in 2023, Iran had the third-highest number of internet shutdowns in the world, according to digital rights group Access Now. These shutdowns have included nationwide mobile network shutdowns and targeted blocking of platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp, services that are typically less restricted.
Broader impacts
Khamenei’s call for regulation highlights the tension between maintaining security and allowing freedom in cyberspace. While his remarks are intended to underscore the need for controls to prevent threats, they also highlight the ongoing debate over the balance between security and freedom in the digital age.
As the Iranian government continues to explore its approach to internet governance, the international community is watching closely, considering the implications for global digital policy and human rights.
