{"id":2984,"date":"2021-04-16T13:55:42","date_gmt":"2021-04-16T13:55:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/filter.watch\/en\/?p=2984"},"modified":"2025-06-03T08:41:02","modified_gmt":"2025-06-03T08:41:02","slug":"policy-monitor-march-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/filter.watch\/english\/2021\/04\/16\/policy-monitor-march-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Policy Monitor – March 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

The arrival of the Iranian New Year this March was marked by a <\/span>video message<\/span><\/a> from Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during which he criticised \u201cthose in charge\u201d for the \u201clack of management\u201d of Iran's internet which has been \u201clet go [of]\u201d. Khamenei\u2019s emphasis on the management of Iran\u2019s internet is particularly notable as it enters a major election year, demonstrating that online information controls remain a top priority for Iranian authorities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In March, the Supreme Council for Cyberspace held a meeting to discuss a new resolution on child protection, while a sharp boom in the popularity of the live discussion app Clubhouse was followed by unexplained disruptions to its service. These intermittent disruptions came just days after the ICT Minister claimed that there were \u201cno discussions\u201d taking place around the filtering of the app.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Our monthly Network Monitor<\/a> supplements this report with a technical analysis of network disruptions and internet shutdowns. Take a look at it to get a better sense of how internet disruptions affected Iranian users in March.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Supreme Council for Cyberspace Holds Meeting to Discuss Resolution on \u2018Protection of Children and Teenagers in Cyberspace\u2019<\/b><\/h2>\n

On <\/span>16 March<\/span><\/a> the Supreme Council for Cyberspace (SCC) met to discuss the resolution on the\u00a0<\/span>\u2018Protection of Children and Teenagers in Cyberspace\u2019. During the meeting members decided on the \u2018categorisation\u2019 of content according to \u2018suitability based on age and gender\u2019 as well as content with \u2018physical, and cultural characteristics appropriate for children and teenagers\u2019, as well as holding discussion on arrangements for private sector cooperation for creating \u2018healthy, safe, and beneficial content and services\u2019. The resolution was also discussed in <\/span>January<\/span><\/a> this year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though initiatives to regulate children and teens\u2019 access to online content are not by themselves problematic, the degree of control by the SCC and other Iranian authorities over content approval is concerning. Allowing different sections of society different levels of access to the internet \u2013 including school children and university students \u2013 align\u2019s with the state\u2019s broader programme of \u2018<\/span>layered filtering<\/span><\/a>\u2019, which poses a major threat to digital rights in Iran.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Deputy for Cyberspace Affairs at the IRIB: \u201cPromoting Foreign Social Media [Apps] Banned on National Media\u201d\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

On <\/span>4 March<\/span><\/a> Gholamreza Nouri, the Deputy for Cyberspace Affairs at the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) stated that new regulations setting out the terms for the promotion of domestic and foreign platforms on national media had been announced. According to the new regulations \u2018naming foreign social media platforms has been banned\u2019 on the broadcaster, whereas domestic platforms \u2018can be named\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The announcement comes following a statement from the National Centre for Cyberspace (NCC) to the IRIB in <\/span>November<\/span><\/a> last year, which expressed \u2018concerns\u2019 around TV programmes asking viewers to engage with their Instagram accounts. One of the main policy objectives of the National Information Network (NIN) project is to encourage the usage of domestic platforms and services over their international counterparts. To support this, various authorities and branches of government have been actively promoting their use. However, these domestic platforms continue to <\/span>pose major privacy and security risks<\/span><\/a> to users in Iran.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Guardian Council Approves Tax Increase for Telecommunication Operators\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

On <\/span>16 March<\/span><\/a> the Guardian Council approved a 10% tax increase for telecommunication operators, which was proposed by the Majles in the draft budget for the current Iranian calendar year. The approval comes following the Guardian Council\u2019s request for clarifications from the Majles. The increase will come into effect after the expiration of operators\u2019 current licenses.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the draft budget, the income made from the increase is set to be allocated to \u201cinfrastructural expansion of the same operators on the NIN\u201d under the supervision of the NCC, as well as investment in 5 million high-speed fixed internet ports by the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI) in order \u201cto produce audio-visual content and support content creation in cyberspace\u201d. The fixed-line internet \u201cshould be able to compete with satellite internet\u201d, an issue which has been a cause for concern for ICT policy makers in Iran.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Majles has emphasised that operators are \u201cnot to increase internet tariff prices\u201d during the new Iranian calendar year. In <\/span>February<\/span><\/a> ICT Minister Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahromi warned that the tax increase will cause internet prices to soar, a position he reiterated in <\/span>March<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Government Spokesperson: \u201cInternational Companies can Provide Satellite Internet by Obtaining a Licence\u201d\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

In a news conference on <\/span>16 March<\/span><\/a> Government Spokesperson Ali Rabei stated that \u201cany international company can provide [satellite internet] services after obtaining a licence\u201d and that the government does not view the technology \u201cas a threat\u201d. Rabei\u2019s comments come following a <\/span>February<\/span><\/a> announcement from SCC Secretary and NCC Head Abolhassan Firouzabadi about the formation of a new working group to tackle issues relating to satellite internet. Firouzabadi made additional <\/span>comments<\/span><\/a> that the new working group did not wish to restrict the internet, and that there were talks on \u201ccooperation with Russia and China\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is unclear what the terms of obtaining a satellite internet licence might entail, and whether options will be open beyond Chinese and Russian companies, especially as satellite internet can provide means for circumventing internet disruptions and shutdowns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

China and Iran Sign Partnership Agreement\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

On <\/span>27 March<\/span><\/a> Iran and China signed a 25-year cooperation agreement. While there is a lack of transparency around the details of the agreement with the text of the agreement yet to be published, a leaked draft in the summer of 2020 revealed some details around the scope of the agreement in connection with Iran\u2019s ICT sector.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A full analysis by Filterwatch on the potential impacts of the agreement on the localisation of Iran\u2019s internet can be found <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Free Internet Package for Teaching Staff Renewed by ICT Ministry\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

On <\/span>6 March<\/span><\/a> the ICT Ministry announced that the 60GB free internet package for teaching staff across the country was being renewed for another round. It is unclear whether this applies to domestic or international internet. Teaching staff, especially at universities, have been discouraged from using international platforms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Search Engine by Mobile Telecommunication Company of Iran \u201cIn Final Phase\u201d\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

On <\/span>7 March<\/span><\/a> an opening ceremony was held for the \u201cDigital Platform Monitoring Centre\u201d for Hamrah-e-Aval (MCI), which is set to monitor services provided by MCI. These services include the education platform Shad and social media app Rubika. During the ceremony Abolhassan Firouzabadi announced that MCI\u2019s domestic search engine project \u2013 known as \u2018Magnifier\u2019 (Persian: \u0630\u0631\u0647\u200c\u0628\u06cc\u0646) had moved into its \u201cfinal phase\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Efforts to create a domestic search engine have been underway for a number of years as part of the NIN\u2019s offering of domestic services. However, up until now these efforts have seen <\/span>limited success<\/span><\/a> in comparison to their international counterparts. However, if a more successful search engine is launched, it could have a significant impact on access to information and the censorship of content on Iran\u2019s internet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Iran\u2019s ICT Minister: \u201cNo Discussions on Filtering Clubhouse\u201d Days Before Disruption to the App\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

In response to a question during a discussion on Clubhouse on <\/span>31 March<\/span><\/a>, Iran\u2019s ICT Minister Azari Jahromi stated he \u201cdoubted\u201d that there are plans to filter the platform. He said he had \u201cnot heard\u201d of such plans, and that the subject \u201chad not been discussed\u201d.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, according to users on social media on 9 April, the platform was inaccessible on MTN Irancell, Hamrah-e-Aval (MCI), and the Telecommunication Company of Iran (TCI). The reports were later <\/span>confirmed<\/span><\/a> by the ICT Ministry Spokesperson Jamal Hadian. Hadian subsequently denied knowledge of, or receipt of any judicial orders to block Clubhouse. On <\/span>11 April<\/span><\/a> the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) issued a letter to the three operators to produce a copy of the judicial order for the filtering of Clubhouse, or in the absence of an order, to resolve the disruptions to Clubhouse within 24 hours. According to a tweet from Hadian the following day on <\/span>12 April<\/span><\/a> a complaint was filed against the operators for \u201cignoring the ICT Ministry\u2019s warning\u201d. Given the disparity of reports from users being able to access ClubHouse on different ISPs, the app\u2019s availability status in Iran is unclear. Filterwatch will monitor and report on any further developments in future issues of the Policy and Network Monitors.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The ICT Ministry and the operators have denied responsibility for the disruptions, or the existence of a judicial order. This allows them to avoid public blame for the implementation of new restrictions, while the process of filtering and restricting services to Iranians becomes more opaque.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Social Media App Rubika Under Investigation for Playing \u201cUnauthorised\u201d Music Video\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

On <\/span>3 March<\/span><\/a> Iranian social media app Rubika was referred to the Committee for Investigating Violations by Iran\u2019s Audiovisual Regulatory Body (or SATRA) for playing a \u2018teaser\u2019 from an \u2018unauthorised\u2019 music video which was banned by SATRA.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The statement from SATRA appears to <\/span>refer<\/span><\/a> to the \u2018Tehran Tokyo\u2019 video by the US-based\u00a0 Iranian artist known as \u2018Sasy\u2019 which has become hugely popular and controversial in Iran. The outcome of the investigation is not clear. The incident offers another example of Iranian authorities' ability to regulate content on domestic and Iran-based platforms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Gap Messaging App \u201cBlocked\u201d on a Number of ISPs\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

According to a tweet on <\/span>14 March<\/span><\/a> by Mahdi Anjidani, founder and CEO of Gap Messenger, the messaging app was \u201cblocked\u201d on MTN Irancell and MCI, but users were able to access the service \u201cusing circumvention tools\u201d. In an<\/span> interview<\/span><\/a> with Digiato, Anjidani said that 80% of the issue had been resolved. He added that it was believed that the app was \u201cfiltered\u201d however he had not received a response from the ICT Ministry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Anjidani they had recently noticed that Gap users were being charged full international tariff prices instead of the reduced domestic tariffs, which are one third of the international rate. He believes the two issues are \u201cconnected\u201d but requires \u201cfurther answers\u201d from the ICT Ministry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Buses in the City of Mashhad to \u201cConnect to RighTel WiFi\u201d<\/b><\/h2>\n

On<\/span> 2 March<\/span><\/a> the mobile network operator Rightel and the Mayor of Mashhad signed an agreement which is set to equip 1,400 inner city buses with RighTel-provided WiFi.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mashhad has been focusing on ICT-related investments in the city as part of its ongoing \u2018Smart City\u201d initiative.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

ICT Ministry Provides an Update on the National information Network's Progress to the National Centre for Cyberspace\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

In an interview with <\/span>Mehr News<\/span><\/i> on <\/span>8 March<\/span><\/a> Deputy ICT Minister Amir Nazemi revealed that the ICT Ministry had recently provided the National Centre for Cyberspace (NCC) with a new report on the progress of the National Information Network (NIN). He added that the report was under review by the NCC who were also responsible for making announcements on the NIN\u2019\u2019s progress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Nazemi \u201c20% of the NIN\u2019s infrastructure work remains\u201d which he claimed \u201cwill be completed by the end of the government\u2019s term\u201d in June 2021. In 2019 the ICT Ministry claimed that 80% of the NIN\u2019s infrastructure had been completed, a claim that was <\/span>challenged<\/span><\/a> by the SCC.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Communication Regulatory Authority Publishes New Statistics on Internet Users in Iran\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

On <\/span>13 March<\/span><\/a> the CRA published new data on internet users in Iran for the third quarter of the previous Iranian calendar year (22 September - 20 December 2020). According to the data the penetration rate for fixed broadband is sitting at 11.57%, which has not seen a dramatic change since the previous quarter. Meanwhile, Iran\u2019s mobile internet penetration rate has increased by more than one million users since the previous quarter, up to 92.49%.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

nternet users in Iran favour mobile services due to a variety of factors, such as the quality of service, affordability, and access to devices. Therefore, internet disruptions to mobile services affect more users than disruptions to home broadband services.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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ArvanCloud Services Disrupted Due to a \u201cCyberattack\u201d<\/b><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/b>On <\/span>14 March<\/span><\/a> ArvanCloud began experiencing \u201cunusual activities\u201d on their IR-THR-AT1 data centre which was identified as a \u201ccyberattack\u201d by the company the following day. As customer data began to be damaged the company reported that access to the data centre was disconnected in order to \u201cprevent the spread of damage\u201d which disrupted customer\u2019s access to their services.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to ArvanCloud there was \u201cno data leak\u201d as a result of the attack, the aim of which was allegedly the \u201cdestruction and deletion of data\u201d. Services are said to have resumed on 18 March with \u201crefunds paid\u201d for the duration of the interruption to customers, a number of which were <\/span>unable to run their business<\/span><\/a> during the period before the Iranian New Year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

ArvanCloud signed an agreement with Iran\u2019s ICT Ministry in <\/span>January 2021<\/span><\/a> to launch the \u2018Iran Cloud\u2019 project in a major step towards the localisation of Iran\u2019s infrastructure. In <\/span>February 2021<\/span><\/a> the Iran Cloud contract revealed a number of concerning clauses on surveillance and internet shutdowns.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The arrival of the Iranian New Year this March was marked by a video message from Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during which he criticised \u201cthose in charge\u201d for the \u201clack of management\u201d of Iran's internet which has been \u201clet go [of]\u201d. Khamenei\u2019s emphasis on the management of Iran\u2019s internet is particularly notable as itContinue reading \"Policy Monitor – March 2021\"<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":2985,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2984","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-network-monitor","entry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t