[62106] Iranian government promises digital justice amid criticism of internet censorship

Iranian government promises digital justice amid censorship criticism

Against the backdrop of continued disruptions and restrictions on internet access in Iran, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani has presented an official line emphasizing access to information as a basic right. According to an announcement by the IRNA news agency, Mohajerani stressed that "the Iranian government does not advocate for a professionally classified or unequal internet," adding that the President has ordered the regulation of the field with a "transparent and just" vision. According to a report by Khabar-e-Fori, the government's perspective remains one that promotes "equal access for all citizens."

Conversely, experts and industry figures are expressing grave concern over the consequences of the restrictions on the economy and society. The CITNA news agency published sharp criticism of the situation, stating that "the need to restore basic access instead of total blocking" is becoming critical, while claiming that the internet has become "a hostage to certain platforms" and the disruptions go far beyond the blocking of foreign social networks.

Meanwhile, voices of support for the administration have been recorded among certain sectors. According to a report by Akharin Khabar Khorasan-e-Jonoubi, several professional unions expressed gratitude to President Pezeshkian for activating the "Internet Pro" service, which is intended to provide preferential access to businesses and production units. These same groups argue that this is an "effective solution to prevent the cessation of business activity" during the current emergency period, contrary to widespread public criticism regarding discrimination in network access.

The public debate revolves around the definition of the internet: as a critical tool for the entire population, as defined by CITNA, or as a resource to be managed in extreme situations. The government, for its part, continues to claim that the ultimate goal is "maintaining the quality of citizens' lives and the development of the digital economy."