This article examines the evolution of Iran’s internet policy across three administrations: the two presidential terms of Hassan Rouhani, the incomplete tenure of Ebrahim Raisi, and the newly inaugurated government of Masoud Pezeshkian, with Sattar Hashemi serving as Minister of Communications. It explores the contrasting approaches of these leaders and their implications for Iran’s digital landscape.
The second episode of Season 2 of the Layer 7 podcast examines the dynamic internet landscape during Rouhani’s presidency, marked by the vibrant tech ecosystem following the JCPOA agreement, and contrasts it with the heightened security-oriented policies of Raisi’s tenure, characterized by widespread filtering and restrictive measures.
The Internet Boom Under Rouhani
In 2016, Freedom House described the improvement in Iran’s internet speed as one of the key developments in the country’s digital landscape. This progress can be traced back to the broader transformations that followed Hassan Rouhani’s election as a moderate president after the Mahmoud Ahmadinejad era. Data indicates that internet conditions during Rouhani’s first term were markedly better than subsequent periods.
During Rouhani’s presidency, his administration pursued a commercial approach to internet governance, striving to maintain an open and accessible digital space. Efforts were made to prevent the filtering of popular platforms such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram, and significant progress was achieved with the removal of restrictions on high-speed internet access and the issuance of 3G/4G mobile licenses. However, a parallel system of control over the internet became increasingly apparent. While Rouhani’s government worked to foster digital growth, entities like the Revolutionary Guard asserted greater dominance over the online sphere, actively resisting substantial progress and curbing the expansion of the country’s internet ecosystem.
During this period, the startup scene in Iran thrived, with Tehran being likened to “Silicon Valley” by some foreign analysts. Yet, the flourishing tech sector did not sit well with parallel institutions and the IRGC. As tech companies gained prominence, several startup founders faced legal prosecution, interrogation, and even arrest.
The closing years of Rouhani’s presidency marked the beginning of the Protection Plan and a prelude to a more securitized and restrictive internet environment. This trajectory culminated under Raisi’s administration with widespread filtering and comprehensive limitations.
The Short-Lived Presidency of Ebrahim Raisi
Ebrahim Raisi’s presidency brought significant, often detrimental, changes to Iran’s digital landscape. Internet restrictions escalated dramatically, and widespread violations of digital rights became hallmarks of his tenure. Social media platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp were filtered, and online businesses faced numerous challenges.
Raisi’s Seventh Development Plan emphasized the increased role of security agencies in digital governance and mandated government bodies to collect personal user data, posing significant threats to privacy. One of Raisi’s controversial measures was the Tiered Internet Access Plan, which created inequalities in digital access and denied certain demographics equal opportunities to engage with technology and information.
While many view these restrictions as blatant violations of free expression and access to information, their economic repercussions cannot be ignored. Filtering and other limitations imposed on the digital economy have severely impacted the country’s financial landscape.
Sattar Hashemi: A Proponent of Localized Digital Policies
The helicopter crash that ended Raisi’s presidency in May left many optimistic that the next administration might rectify the chaotic internet policies. Masoud Pezeshkian, during his electoral campaign, promised to address issues surrounding filtering and internet governance. However, early signals from his administration indicate otherwise. Following a meeting with Ayatollah Khamenei, Pezeshkian instructed his cabinet to adhere to the Supreme Leader’s directives on “proper internet management” and the dangers of an “unregulated” cyberspace.
Sattar Hashemi, Pezeshkian’s nominee for Minister of Communications, is seen as an ally of Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi, a former minister who prioritized executing the government’s broader policies over addressing users’ concerns. Hashemi’s plans emphasize developing the National Information Network, expanding fiber-optic infrastructure, and promoting domestic products such as local smartphones and operating systems. Notably absent from his agenda is any commitment to lifting filtering measures, a major demand of users.
Hashemi’s support for the Tiered Internet Access Plan has heightened concerns about increasing restrictions, further excluding a significant portion of the population from free access to information. Despite his appointment, Hashemi has yet to present a comprehensive strategy to address the current state of the internet. His approach appears to align with the directives of parallel entities, such as the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, rather than introducing independent reforms.
The appointment of Sattar Hashemi as Minister of Communications reflects the government’s ongoing commitment to restrictive and controlling internet policies. This approach will likely deepen digital divides and further limit free access to information in Iran.
