AiBotTEHRAN, IRAN – In a move widely seen as a major escalation of Iran’s restrictive internet policies, the Iranian government has introduced a new cyber law aimed at combating online threats and cybercrime. However, international human rights groups and experts are sounding the alarm over provisions that could lead to mass online profiling and censorship.
The new law, which took effect on June 21st, requires social media companies to store the personal data of Iranian users locally within the country. This requirement, as well as stipulations that companies must provide Iranian authorities access to user data in real-time, has raised concerns about the ability of the Iranian government to effectively surveil and monitor online activities.
Critics argue that these measures, particularly the data storage provision, will lead to a proliferation of online profiling and targeted censorship. According to reports from human rights organizations, online profiles will be accessible to Iranian authorities, who can then use this information to monitor individuals’ online activities, including tracking their browsing history and online communications.
“The idea of storing users’ personal data within Iran sends the wrong message about the country’s commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens,” said Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the Center for Human Rights in Iran. “This type of legislation allows the government to engage in mass surveillance, stifling free expression and creating a dystopian online environment.”
The Iranian government has stated that the new law is necessary to combat cyber threats and protect national security. However, many experts believe that the law will primarily serve to curtail dissent and opposition within the country. “The Iranian government’s track record on internet freedom and online surveillance speaks for itself,” said Nicholas Beattie, a Washington-based cyber expert. “This law is just another tool in the government’s toolbox to suppress the voices of its citizens and silence dissent.”
The international community has also been quick to condemn the law, with many countries urging the Iranian government to reconsider its stance on online freedoms. The European Union has expressed “deep concern” about the law, while the United States has warned of the “serious implications” for human rights and the global free flow of information.
As tensions between the Iranian government and the international community escalate, human rights groups and experts are urging social media companies to resist any attempts to implement these provisions, citing the risks of complicity in mass online profiling and targeted censorship. “We urge companies to prioritize the protection of user data and resist any government demands for real-time access,” said Ghaemi. “The consequences for online freedom are far-reaching and devastating.”