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The clerical dictatorship in Iran has withdrawn a widely criticized bill aimed at tightening control over online content, following public outcry and growing fears of mass unrest. The so-called \u201cCombating False Content in Cyberspace Bill<\/a>,\u201d dubbed \u201cProtection 2\u201d by critics, was rushed to parliament last week with double urgency and initially approved by 205 lawmakers. The bill, drafted by the judiciary and backed by the regime\u2019s president Masoud Pezeshkian\u2019s administration, threatened severe penalties for anyone accused of spreading \u201cfalse news\u201d online.<\/p>\n On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani announced on social media that the cabinet had formally requested the bill\u2019s withdrawal \u201cto preserve national unity.\u201d State media, including IRNA<\/a>, sought to portray the decision as proof that the president \u201clistens to the voice of the people and experts,\u201d while promising a new round of consultations before any future legislation on digital regulations.<\/p>\n However, domestic criticism has been fierce. Outlets such as Khabar Online questioned<\/a> how a \u201cdangerous and poorly drafted bill\u201d could have passed through multiple government channels before being sent to parliament, raising doubts about the administration\u2019s competence and transparency. Even state-affiliated commentators warned that the bill would have given authorities unchecked power to define \u201ctruth,\u201d silence independent journalists, and criminalize dissent, echoing past crackdowns on free speech.<\/p>\n Watch and judge how #censorship<\/a> is lectured by #Iranian<\/a> senior officials pic.twitter.com\/wnDNLvPmxB<\/a><\/p>\n — NCRI-FAC (@iran_policy) January 13, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n