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The Iranian regime’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Isa Zarepour, has staunchly defended the Raisi government’s policy of restricting access to popular foreign internet platforms. In a recent interview with\u00a0the state-run Shargh newspaper<\/a>, Zarepour described the policy as “logical” and consistent with practices in other countries that claim to support free speech.<\/p>\n The state official repeatedly dodged responsibility for the reasons behind internet restrictions, claiming that neither he nor his ministry has any authority in these matters. He cited other “bodies” as responsible for making decisions regarding this issue.<\/p>\n Responding to why social media networks are banned by the regime, Zarepour specifically cited the role of Instagram in the 2022 uprising, asserting that the platform played a significant part in what the clerical regime terms “riots.” He said, “Instagram cannot operate as long as it does not adhere to the country’s laws.”<\/p>\n In an exclusive report in this regard in January 2022, the Iranian Resistance wrote: \u201cFor roughly over one million Iranians, social media platforms such as Instagram, Telegram, and Twitter serve as virtual businesses. https:\/\/t.co\/A94LvSAq7t<\/a><\/p>\n — NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) July 16, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n