Tehran restricted access to most international messaging applications in 2018, claiming they served as tools to instigate violence during anti-government demonstrations
According to a Wednesday report from Mehr news agency, Iran’s Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) has initiated discussions with Telegram and other social media platforms. The objective is to secure their compliance with Tehran’s stipulations, leading to the unblocking of these messaging services.
The agency stated that Tehran would lift its ban on the messaging applications should they implement measures to meet specific requirements outlined in a resolution by Iran’s Supreme Council of Cyberspace earlier this year.
Mehr indicated that these conditions encompass the platforms adhering to Iran’s national security demands, upholding its sovereignty, reinforcing the rule of law, and refraining from detrimentally affecting local social media platforms.
It further noted that the resolution established a framework for designated members of the cyberspace oversight body to spearhead negotiations, with primary oversight of these discussions assigned to the Iranian ICT ministry.
In 2018, Tehran prohibited Telegram and several other messaging applications, asserting they were exploited by opposition factions to incite unrest and jeopardize national security during a period of extensive turmoil.
Although officially prohibited, Telegram and other international social media applications have sustained their popularity within the nation, as numerous users bypass the restrictions by employing Virtual Private Networks (VPNs).