Khamenei Calls for Stricter Cyberspace Regulation Amid Global Examples

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei advocates for stricter cyberspace regulations. Citing the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov as an example, Khamenei argues that all countries impose such controls. Despite Iran's severe restrictions on internet access, tech-savvy Iranians frequently bypass these blocks using VPNs.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has emphasized the need for stricter cyberspace regulation, using the recent arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France as a case in point. Khamenei stated, 'There need to be laws to regulate cyberspace. Everyone does it. Look at the French, they arrested this man and threatened him with 20 years in prison for breaching their laws.'

Iran enforces one of the world's most stringent online regulations, routinely blocking U.S.-based social media such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. However, many Iranians use virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass these restrictions, maintaining their access to these platforms.

Durov, who holds citizenship in Russia, France, and the UAE, was apprehended in Paris for crimes including child sexual abuse, drug trafficking, and fraudulent transactions, according to French prosecutors. In Iran, his platform remains banned, and the country often prosecutes users for their online activities.

'Some do not understand or do not want to understand, but I have already said before that virtual space needs to be regulated in order to be turned into an opportunity and not a threat,' Khamenei added. President Masoud Pezeshkian has criticized internet filtering for its negative impact on Iran's economy, particularly for small businesses relying on social media.

According to digital rights group Access Now, Iran ranked third globally in the frequency of internet shutdowns in 2023, employing nationwide and targeted blocks, including on Instagram and WhatsApp, the only major platforms not previously banned.

(With inputs from agencies.)