The recent publication of the Iranian regime parliament’s agenda has sent chills down the spines of internet freedom advocates. A particularly controversial proposal, the Cyberspace Protection Bill (also known as the Cyberspace service regulation system act), has resurfaced, reigniting fears of increased censorship and restricted internet access. This bill, which sparked widespread protests a few years ago, proposes granting control of internet exchange points to the Iranian Armed Forces.
A History of Confusion and Contradiction
In September 2022, Mohammad Saleh Jokar, head of the parliament’s Internal Affairs Commission, initially stated that the plan was no longer on the agenda. He claimed it had been transferred to the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, a government body led by the regime’s president Ebrahim Raisi. However, this statement was met with skepticism. State media and some social media users reported that the Council had approved parts of the 2022 version of the bill under the guise of a “regulatory system.” This lack of transparency and conflicting reports fueled public concern.
The Supreme Council of Cyberspace, established in 2012 by the regime’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, itself raises red flags. Its stated aim of managing and controlling cyberspace translates to potential government surveillance and limitations on online freedoms.
Adding to the confusion, another MP, Gholamreza Nouri Qazaljeh, expressed doubts about the bill’s viability, citing a lack of “right thinking” within the relevant framework.
Parallels and Discrepancies: A Coordinated Effort?
Further muddying the waters, a 2022 announcement by parliament member Hassan Nowrozi revealed the bill’s approval by a joint commission and its imminent referral to the Guardian Council. This seemingly contradicts Jokar’s earlier statement. This discrepancy suggests a possible coordinated effort by some within the government to push the bill through despite official pronouncements.
Meanwhile, supporters of the bill, like Ruhollah Momennasab, advocate for stricter internet control. Momennasab’s inflammatory statement advocating execution for those supplying VPNs exemplifies the extreme stances some proponents hold. Such views highlight the potential consequences of the bill’s implementation.
Behind the Scenes: The Front of Islamic Revolution Stability’s Influence
A January 2023 Etemad newspaper article shed light on the efforts of the “Front of Islamic Revolution Stability,” the regime’s most conservative party, to push the bill through legislation. The article analyzed speeches by party leader Morteza Agha Tehrani and the Communications Minister, suggesting a coordinated effort to restrict internet access despite the parliament’s official inactivity on the bill. This information suggests a behind-the-scenes push for increased internet control even if the official agenda doesn’t reflect it.
Adding fuel to the fire, Hammihan Online reported in August 2023 that the Cyberspace Protection Bill remained within the parliament’s special commission of Article 85. This suggests the current parliament intended to finalize the legislation before the upcoming May 2024 elections and the arrival of new representatives. This timing raises concerns that the outgoing parliament aims to solidify its control over the internet before losing power.
The Looming Threat to Internet Freedom
The reappearance of the Cyberspace Protection Bill on the parliamentary agenda carries significant weight. The potential for increased censorship and control by the Armed Forces poses a direct threat to internet freedom and access to information in Iran. The international community must closely monitor this situation and advocate for the protection of online freedoms for Iranian citizens.
