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RFL/RE – Iran’s judicial authorities have seized the Instagram page of the popular online program Blind Date, hosted by an Iranian influencer known as Viny, as part of a sweeping crackdown on social-media content.
The official announcement, made on Viny’s Instagram page, which has more than 1.2 million followers, said the action was taken by judicial order and the page would remain inaccessible until further notice.
“This page is by order of the honorable judicial authority by Faraja and until further notice is unavailable,” the only post now available on the page says.
Blind Date has gained significant popularity within Iran, drawing millions of viewers to its YouTube-based episodes where participants, unfamiliar with each other, engage in conversations to determine potential compatibility.
The show’s success highlights how Iranian vloggers have been showcasing the lifestyle of the country’s new generation even though it clashes with the conservative Islamic leadership.
Iran has long faced criticism for its extensive Internet restrictions, with many citizens relying on virtual private networks (VPNs) to access blocked content, including social media such as YouTube, Twitter, Instagram.
The government’s action against Viny marks a significant escalation in its efforts to control online content.
Historically, such interventions were limited to individuals whose activities garnered widespread recognition on social media.
The clampdown also reflects the authorities’ concern over the rising influence of “Generation Z” and their unfiltered portrayal of life in Iran, challenging the government’s narrative and censorship efforts.SEE ALSO:Iranian University Threatens Female Students Over Graduation Celebration
This generation’s documentation of their lives and then sharing their experiences often pushes the boundaries of what is traditionally acceptable, posing a new challenge for a government grappling with the pervasive reach of the Internet and social media, analysts say.
