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An Iranian Judicial Official: The Use of Telegram by Institutions for Administrative Affairs is a Crime

Jan 29, 2026 January 29, 2026 2 min read 📰 Radio Farda
📋 Key Takeaway

Iran's Deputy Judicial Prosecutor announced that using Telegram for administrative purposes by government institutions is a crime, warning of serious consequences. This statement reflects ongoing tensions regarding the use of foreign social media platforms in Iran, amid concerns about information security and foreign influence.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: Iran's crackdown on Telegram usage by institutions underscores its ongoing struggle to manage foreign influence and information security.

👥 Key Players

Abdolsamad Khoramabadi MENTIONED
Deputy Judicial Prosecutor of Iran in cyber affairs
"He represents the Iranian government's stance on cyber security and the regulation of foreign social media."
Abolhassan Firouzabadi MENTIONED
Secretary of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace
"He oversees Iran's cyber policies and the promotion of domestic messaging platforms."
Naser Makarem Shirazi MENTIONED
Shia cleric
"He reflects the views of influential religious leaders who see foreign platforms as threats to national security."

📰 What Happened

Iran's Deputy Judicial Prosecutor announced that using the Telegram messaging app for administrative purposes by government institutions is a crime, warning of serious consequences for those who do so. This reflects ongoing tensions regarding the use of foreign social media platforms in Iran.

  • Telegram is widely used in Iran, with about 100,000 active channels and 1.2 million posts shared daily.
  • The Iranian government is promoting domestic social networks as alternatives to foreign platforms.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: This move highlights the Iranian government's efforts to control information flow and reduce reliance on foreign technology, which they view as a security threat.
🌍 Regional: It may influence how other countries in the region approach foreign social media and internet governance.
🌐 International: This stance could further isolate Iran from global communication networks and affect its diplomatic relations.

📚 Background

Iran has a complex relationship with foreign social media, often viewing it as a tool for Western influence and dissent. The government promotes domestic alternatives to mitigate these concerns.

Internet censorship in Iran The role of social media in political movements
📡 Source: STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence: 70%
The information comes from state-affiliated sources, which may reflect the government's official narrative and priorities.

The Deputy Judicial Prosecutor of the country in cyber affairs announced the filing of a complaint against institutions using the Telegram social network for administrative matters. According to a report on Wednesday, September 31, by ISNA news agency, Abdolsamad Khoramabadi made these remarks on the sidelines of a memorandum of understanding signing between the Iranian Attorney General's Office and Malaysia while speaking to reporters. His statements were in response to a question regarding whether the use of Telegram by organizations and government agencies is a violation. The Deputy Judicial Prosecutor stated, 'If we become aware that some institutions are using the Telegram social network for their administrative affairs, we will definitely file a complaint against them.' Khoramabadi warned of 'serious action' against these institutions and added that 'domestic social networks must replace foreign social networks.' He mentioned a 'warning' to the institutions using Telegram and added that a directive has been issued deeming this matter a violation. Khoramabadi also warned that if the use of Telegram 'leads to the outflow of information from the country, in a way that others can use this information, it will definitely have criminal implications.' The messaging app 'Telegram,' which is very popular in Iran, transmits about 10 billion messages worldwide daily. Abolhassan Firouzabadi, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Cyberspace, stated that currently, there are one hundred thousand active Telegram channels in the country, through which '1.2 million posts are shared daily.' Khoramabadi also indirectly referred to the popularity of Telegram in Iran, saying, 'I have heard that in some schools under the Ministry of Education, Telegram is used for communication between students and schools and parent-teacher associations. I advise them not to use this foreign messenger and to use domestic messengers, of which there are a considerable number.' A significant group of clergy and military officials ruling Iran believe that the internet and social networks are tools of 'soft warfare' and 'espionage' by the West against the Islamic Republic and that strict oversight should be applied to this space. Naser Makarem Shirazi, a Shia cleric in Qom, stated during a meeting with the Minister of Communications and Information Technology that Telegram, by accessing information, can 'create various events,' adding, 'Just as the enemy organized popular forces to express dissent during the 2009 unrest.'

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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