Iran Remains at the Bottom of the Global Internet Freedom Index Despite Slight Progress

In its annual report on the state of internet freedom worldwide, Freedom House states that Iran's situation has improved slightly compared to previous years; however, the country ranks fourth from the bottom, following China, Syria, and Ethiopia. In the latest report by Freedom House, Iran received a score of 85 out of 100 (with 100 representing the most severe restrictions). Freedom House notes the 'widespread use' of social media platforms like Instagram and Telegram by Hassan Rouhani and his political allies during elections, emphasizing that protocols related to both networks have been targeted for censorship and filtering. According to Freedom House, dozens of individuals, including social media channel managers, have been arrested for their online activities. Additionally, Telegram channels with over 5,000 members are required to register and are under surveillance. The organization also states that access to the internet, speed, and bandwidth has significantly improved; however, accessing foreign websites costs twice as much as domestic websites and platforms. Freedom House reports that Iranian authorities have blocked access to tens of thousands of websites, particularly news sites, and have filtered Twitter, Facebook, Google, WordPress, and Blogspot, while also restricting access to domestic websites that criticize the government. Applications and websites linking to foreign governments, specifically the United States and Israel, are filtered. The organization indicates that there is a severe atmosphere of self-censorship, with many journalists, activists, and other citizens facing harassment or arrest. Freedom House emphasizes the use of alternative social media platforms by Iranian citizens despite the filtering of Twitter and Facebook, stating that they use these platforms to engage in social and political discussions. The organization points out the extensive use of social media by ruling politicians, including conservatives, government supporters, and other groups, noting that 'Instagram Live' has played a crucial role in Hassan Rouhani's campaign. Freedom House mentions that Iranians are employing innovative methods to communicate and influence public opinion, such as the online graphic novel 'Gender.' The organization also highlights arrests related to virtual activities, including individuals who published religious or political cartoons, Telegram channel managers, or messaging app administrators arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and other Iranian security agencies. According to the organization, the virtual space in Iran is heavily controlled, and the number of cyberattacks by government-supported hackers has increased in recent years. In 2014, Iran was designated the 'worst country' in terms of internet freedom, and a year later, it ranked third from the bottom. Last year, Iran was the second most restrictive country in the internet freedom index from the bottom. In Freedom House's 2017 ranking, China had the worst situation, followed closely by Syria, then Ethiopia and Iran. Following Iran are Cuba, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates. Freedom House states that governments worldwide are increasing efforts to manipulate information and social networks, undermining democracy. The organization emphasizes that freedom on the internet is generally declining.