A member of the board of directors of the Tehran Computer and IT Syndicate (Nassr) listed removing filtering as one of the top five priorities, stating that in Nassr’s industry survey, IT sector challenges are ranked among the top five priorities, with filtering being one of them.
The same board member emphasized that filtering is a key issue, and a member of the Islamic Parliament, who had previously proposed a plan to lift filtering, noted that filtering has pushed people towards using VPNs, leading them to access inappropriate content. Almost all popular social networks worldwide are filtered in Iran. YouTube, Twitter (or X), Facebook, Viber, Google Play, LinkedIn, Instagram, WhatsApp, Telegram, Waze, Clubhouse, Signal, Medium, Yahoo Messenger, Snapchat, Netflix, TikTok, and any non-Iranian social networks require VPNs to access. This reflects the cost and threat highlighted by Masoud Pezeshkian, the newly appointed President, in his election program.
Pezeshkian has repeatedly mentioned that filtering social networks imposes additional costs on people while generating significant profits for VPN sellers. Moreover, teenagers and young people have easier access to inappropriate and harmful sites through VPNs. Pezeshkian has promised to utilize all his and his minister’s efforts to improve internet speed and remove filtering.
However, many people are questioning whether Masoud Pezeshkian, the new President of Iran, can indeed remove internet filtering in Iran. Recent news suggests that Pezeshkian is trying to gain the approval of senior officials to end the communication restrictions imposed on Iranians. After obtaining the necessary permits, Pezeshkian is expected to propose a plan titled “Lifting Filtering” to the Majlis (Parliament) as one of his first actions in office for legislative decision-making. Although lifting filtering is one of Pezeshkian’s major promises, there are numerous controversies, with many arguing that the President does not have the authority to fulfill this promise, deeming it unachievable.
Lifting Filtering is Beyond the Scope of a Single Authority
Ali Hakim Javadi at a press conference of the Tehran IT Syndicate, in response to reporters about the results of the industry’s demand for lifting filters—one of the critical issues in technology today—stated: “Filtering is a highly discussed issue and was also a hot topic during the elections. However, those advocating for lifting filters focus on specific platforms related to the IT Syndicate’s business.
The Syndicate is not a political organization but a professional one. We believe that the business environment should be prepared and appropriate measures should be considered. I believe that clearly addressing the issue of lifting filters or easing the burden of filtering might be beyond the capability of a single authority and a more effective solution needs to be created.”
Hesam Asadi, a board member of the Tehran IT Syndicate, spoke at the press conference about the concerns and issues to be discussed on Technology Day. He mentioned: “In the 7th term of the Syndicate’s board, we are continually receiving and addressing member challenges, aiming to direct the organization’s efforts in a data-driven and goal-oriented manner. Regarding Technology Day, based on surveys from the industry, we identified and analyzed five main issues. Our efforts and industry demands are organized around these five key areas.
The first challenge identified in the surveys, and included in the Technology Day agenda, is the issues related to filtering. The second focus on Technology Day will be the challenges of human resources in the IT sector. Various surveys from the industry indicate that this is a significant challenge. The next issue is the various requirements and certifications that create obstacles and challenges for the industry. The surveys also highlighted security as a critical challenge, and we are working towards synergy to reduce these challenges with the collaboration of all stakeholders.
Problems with order registration, raw material supply, and private sector participation in decision-making bodies are also significant points from the surveys, which are important for Technology Day. We hope to have discussions around these issues and see positive outcomes that will help resolve some of the challenges facing the digital economy sector.
Mohammad Qasim Osmani has pointed out that filtering has led people to use VPNs, which results in access to inappropriate content. According to Osmani, despite his emergency bill to lift filtering having gone through the legal stages, it has not been presented in the parliamentary session because the Speaker of the Parliament did not allow it. Osmani stated that he was told to wait for the new government to start.
He emphasized that, according to Article 161 of the internal regulations of the Parliament, this bill has completed all legal stages and should have been presented in the session. As a member of the Budget and Planning Committee, Osmani expressed his confusion as to why it was not allowed. He was informed that the Speaker of the Parliament asked to delay it.
Osmani mentioned that he spoke with Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the Speaker of the Parliament, who suggested that Masoud Pezeshkian, the President, would take action in this regard. Osmani did not accept this response, arguing that Pezeshkian is the President and has his own duties, and as a representative, he is responsible for pursuing his own bill. Osmani confirmed that Qalibaf asked to wait for the new government to start and mentioned that when he spoke with members of the parliament leadership, they agreed with him and said that the Speaker should allow it. However, Osmani pointed out that the regulations do not state that the Speaker’s approval is necessary for presenting an emergency bill.
Osmani also noted that filtering has caused people to turn to VPNs, leading to access to inappropriate content, which exacerbates people’s frustrations. He highlighted that people are spending approximately $83.33 billion annually on filtering, which worsens the already poor internet speed.
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