Iran is enduring the most intense protests since 2009. So far, over twenty are dead, scores injured, hundreds arrested. Also, they have no end in sight. But what does this have to do with IT support or social media? Iran bans social media: due to protests.
Telegram and Instagram are the biggest casualties of freedom at the moment.? Iran blocked them. Furthermore, on Iran TV, they announced they’re blocking these sites. They say they’re doing so because they want to maintain peace. They believe leaving social media sites open will only fuel dissent and chaos.
However, a senior member of the Iranian government used Telegram to state his regime’s case. He stated Telegram would encourage hatred. This official even hinted the ban could be permanent. For example, he says certain tweets tell people to use weapons against police. This could affect over 800,000 Instagram and Telegram accounts. Also, Telegram is very popular in Iran right now. There are over 25 million active users in Iran. That’s over a third of Iran’s population. Also, Iran is notorious for media censorship. So when people get hold of Telegram, it could be the only voice they have. They can tell the world what really goes on in Iran.
I think there’s another reason Iran bans social media. Because they don’t want other influence coming into this country. President Trump sent a tweet. He praised the protesters. He also called Iranian leaders brutal and corrupt. They can’t have that, can they? Online freedom crusader Edward Snowden also tweeted in favor of the protesters. He said they can’t keep an independent service from being blocked in dictatorships. I’d like to join in applauding the protesters. No matter how much regimes try to stifle the truth, it will come out. IT service will help see to that. So will the heart and will people struggling for freedom. When will they ever learn?