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Iran’s tightens its grip over internet access within the territory

Iran

Iran has announced stricter restrictions on usage of internet on its territory along with also tightening its grip over use certain applications on the devices of the Iranian citizens.


On Tuesday, Iranian parliament gave its nod to the general outline of a bill that will promote restrictions on the use of the internet and certain other platforms. It was passed by the Joint Siyanat Committee yesterday.


The bill, named as Legislation to Protect Cyberspace Users’ Rights, was directly sent for approval of the committee just like a few other legislations which were also sent directly to the committee ahead of the general voting in the session.


The bill got approval only recently but the process to limit the access of the internet in the country started weeks ago. Users found that authorities have already reduced the bandwidth and also slowed the broadband speed to endure censorship on the access of the internet.


Even Iranian officials have started announcing that the foreign companies should abide by the changed rules in order to have a smooth run.


Former communications minister and a Tehran representative Reza Taghipour, also the person to take final calls in cyberspace matters, said that Iranian law will be active from now and international companies should be cautious about it.


The new law will require these companies as well as the domestic internet networks to register itself with the government authorized regulatory and supervisory board. Not just them but the intelligence ministry and the intelligence organization of the Revolutionary Guards also will have to register with them.


The Arab country has been restricting access to the internet as well as popular social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube for years. Just to find their way across the heavy restrictions, many residents use circumvention software and find their way around it. 

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