The Atlantic Council’s Future of Iran Initiative and Digital Forensic Research Lab invite you to a discussion surrounding the recently released report Iranians on #SocialMedia, authored by Holly Dagres, which explores the social media habits of Iranian netizens and how the Islamic Republic is repressing the online space.
A reported 74 percent of Iranians over the age of eighteen use social media and messaging apps. Iranians use these apps for economic, entertainment, and sociopolitical purposes. Of utmost concern, aside from countless arrests for Internet activities and reoccurring Internet shutdowns during times of unrest, is a bill that may be implemented in mid-March that threatens to introduce increased restrictions on Iranian society. The so-called “Protection Bill” not only criminalizes circumvention tools like VPNs, but can potentially cut Iranians from the outside world.
Featuring
Senior Researcher
Article19
Moderating
Senior Correspondent
Buzzfeed News
Related content
Middle East Programs
Through our Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East and Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative, the Atlantic Council works with allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.
The Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) has operationalized the study of disinformation by exposing falsehoods and fake news, documenting human rights abuses, and building digital resilience worldwide.
On Twitter? Follow @ACMideast and @DFRLab to join the conversation using #ACMideast