Thursday , 7 November 2024

Pezeshkian Targets VPNs Instead of Lifting Internet Filtering in Iran

Iranwire – Several months after Masoud Pezeshkian became the Islamic Republic’s president, he failed to fulfill his promises to the people. 

While some claim Pezeshkian never made any promises, he wrote on his X account before the July election: “I guarantee that the entire government will stand firmly against Morality Police, [internet] filtering, and external pressure in all meetings.”

In his first session of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, Pezeshkian said he could not specify a timeline for lifting internet filtering. He said some people are profiting billions from selling VPNs, which “is not good for our country.”

In other words, instead of addressing the root issue of internet filtering, he shifted his focus to combating the sale of VPNs.

This unexpected shift sparked protests from his supporters, including Azar Mansouri, head of the Reformists’ Front. He said, “The issue for the Iranian people isn’t the sellers of VPNs. The real problem is the filtering itself and their desire for its removal. If filtering is removed, the VPN market will collapse. We must accept the changes in the modern world and have a plan to turn them into opportunities.”

Tackling Filtering and Fighting VPNs

Pezeshkian came to power by raising hopes among a segment of the population. During the presidential campaign, his supporters claimed he would address three key issues that would “slightly” improve people’s lives. They believed he would stop the Morality Police and the hijab legislation, improve the economy, and finally resolve the filtering issue.

During election debates, Pezeshkian said, “If I become president, I will undoubtedly change the filtering process that has affected people’s lives and made them angry.” 

In another instance, he said, “I will stand against sanctions, filtering, and monopolies in the digital economy. I support the private sector in these three demands and will ensure transparency.” He further questioned, “Who is selling these VPNs?” and tied filtering to the sale of VPNs.

However, these promises have not been fulfilled in the past 76 days, and Pezeshkian has even backtracked on some of his statements.

During a press conference on September 16, he said, “A plan needs to be drafted, and we are holding sessions with the Supreme National Security Council and the Supreme Council of Cyberspace. We are working to remove it as soon as possible.” He stressed that “lifting the filtering is on the agenda, and we will eliminate the framework surrounding it.”

He postponed the steps towards this action until after his trip to New York. However, upon his return, in the first session of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, his stance shifted, and he only referred to the issue of VPN sales.

In the session, he said, “We are working to lift the internet filtering, but given the current situation, no specific timeline can be announced.” He ordered actions against VPNs and their sellers and left the filtering issue vague.

A Minister Focused on Fighting VPNs

On October 8, Sattar Hashemi, the Minister of Communications, sparked controversy by evading a direct answer to a question about lifting internet filtering. He said, “Naturally, this question cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. We need lawful management in this space, but people also have certain needs, such as educational content in academic settings. Smart management is needed; this is what the people are asking for.”

Following criticism, he clarified his remarks on October 9. He said, “We are pursuing the matter with all our energy to open up this space. The opaque financial flow of VPN sales is separate from the security and cultural challenges posed by the existing restrictions.”

Hashemi emphasized the need to seriously follow through on the president’s commitments and public demands, advocating for internet regulation.

However, even reformist media criticized his approach and deemed his promises ineffective. Critics accused him of evading responsibility through vague terms like “smart management,” which suggested a potential “class internet” restricting access. They saw him continuing his predecessors’ focus on VPNs rather than addressing the core filtering issue.

Internet experts argue that Hashemi’s recent comments, echoing trends from Rouhani’s presidency, suggest an intent to create a tiered internet system.

Class Internet is a system in which users’ access to the Internet is limited based on their job, social status, or specific needs. In this model, some individuals have access to higher-quality, faster internet or an unfiltered web, while others face restrictions. Despite opposing this concept, Hashemi’s vague “smart management” and “regulation” have left their implications unclear.

Since taking office, Hashemi prioritized VPNs, saying on his first day, “The current situation due to VPN usage is unacceptable and requires redesign.”

Hashemi later proposed “reforming the filtering method through regulatory reform.” On October 6, he attributed increased content creation and VPN use to disrupted network infrastructure and cyberattacks. He argued that tackling VPNs is essential for a regulated cyberspace and does not conflict with people’s need for educational and scientific content.

A report on the Filterban website described the minister’s approach and his allies as part of the Islamic Republic’s war on VPNs, which Iranian officials repeatedly target as a source of insecurity and cyberattacks.

Recent government actions, including the Supreme Leader’s emphasis on “internet governance” and restrictive laws, reflect efforts to control online content and user behavior. However, these restrictions have led to increased VPN usage, which has resulted in further economic strain on users and internet disruptions.

The Future of Filtering in Iran Remains Unclear

Some reformists supporting Pezeshkian view his remarks on filtering positively, believing that he will gradually move towards lifting it. Reformist activist Ali Mohammad Namazi emphasizes that “Pezeshkian should prioritize lifting filtering, avoiding violence, respecting citizens, and upholding human dignity.”

Gholamhossein Karbaschi, the former mayor of Tehran and a Pezeshkian supporter, said, “Pezeshkian’s priority is to remove internet filtering.”

Another reformist supporter, Abbas Abdi, believes that lifting filtering should be the president’s priority “to strengthen unity with the people.”

On October 7, Mehdi Tabatabaei, the president’s Deputy Communications and Public Information Officer, posted a message on social media defending Pezeshkian.

Tabatabaei stated that the filtering situation would improve and referenced Iran’s contemporary history to boost Pezeshkian’s reputation.

He stressed, “Honesty and keeping promises are the president’s main assets. The internet speed improvements and filtering removal issue will be resolved legally and logically, meeting people’s rightful expectations.” He urged people not to make solving difficult problems harder by making hasty judgments and highlighted Dr. Pezeshkian as a leading figure in honesty and truthfulness in Iranian politics.

On October 8, Fatemeh Mohajerani, the government’s spokesperson, announced that the filtering issue was raised in a cabinet meeting, and the Minister of Communications is following up. He said, “The president stands by the promises he made.”

However, from Pezeshkian’s statements and shifting positions over this time, it’s hard to determine whether this promise involves “change,” “solving,” or merely “improving” the internet situation. 

Additionally, no specific timeline has been provided for these actions. Given the mixed messages, vague promises, and the fact that the government does not have enough influence in the Supreme Council of Cyberspace or the Working Group for Determining Criminal Content, it’s unlikely that internet filtering will be lifted soon. 

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